SCRIPTURE: Luke 18:9-14
So is Jesus speaking to me in this parable?
Am I confident that I am good enough, do I see myself as better than some others?
We all can find someone who is worse than us, and that makes us feel better about ourselves.
‘At least I’ve never killed anyone, at least I’ve never robbed a bank, at least …’
This kind of attitude gets us nowhere, because there are things we’ve done that others haven’t.
And there are things we all do that are not good – big or small, it’s all hurtful and wrong.
All of us have hurt God and others, and all of us need to recognize and confess it.
Am I really better than the next guy; if I were in their shoes, would I have done differently?
(Pride might lead me to say yes, but that shows me how little I get human nature).
I am sinner like you, like everyone; I need God’s mercy just as much as the next guy.
As long as I fool myself that I’m a good person, that I’m not that bad, I will miss out.
God’s mercy and restoration is for the humble, honest sinner – not matter how good or bad we may be.
It is my humility that justifies me with God, not my supposed goodness.
So is Jesus speaking to me in this parable?
What do you sense the Lord saying to you?
PRAYER
Lord, help me to feel the weight of my sin, that I feel the relief of it being lifted off of me!
Observations/Application
How do I see me?
The Pharisee was self righteous. Didn’t need God and was better than all others. He had the downward look upon those around himself since he was better than all others. Proud. Exalted in his own eyes. Despising those around him.
The tax collector was despised and unworthy and he knew it. He knew himself in the presence of God. He was humble and in the need of mercy and grace.
I need to seek His mercy. I may never look down upon others. I need to love the people of God at all times.
need Thee every hour, most gracious Lord;
No tender voice like Thine can peace afford.
Refrain
I need Thee, O I need Thee;
Every hour I need Thee;
O bless me now, my Savior,
I come to Thee.
I need Thee every hour, stay Thou nearby;
Temptations lose their power when Thou art nigh.
Refrain
I need Thee every hour, in joy or pain;
Come quickly and abide, or life is in vain.
Refrain
I need Thee every hour; teach me Thy will;
And Thy rich promises in me fulfill.
Refrain
I need Thee every hour, most Holy One;
O make me Thine indeed, Thou blessèd Son.
Refrain