The one who humbles himself will be exalted. – Luke 18:14
When Jesus taught his disciples through parables, the Scribes and Pharisees were listening in, ready to pounce on anything He said to try to prove Him wrong (Luke 16:14). They knew if Jesus was who He said He was, they would have to repent. They would no longer be able to believe they were God’s examples of what was good and right.
In the parable of the Pharisee and the publican (Luke 18:9-14), Jesus, again, addressed their hypocrisy. He even used a Pharisee as an example. In His story, the Pharisee proudly listed his acts of righteousness before God, virtually patting himself on the back for being so good.
The tax collector, who had the reputation of being dishonest and greedy, beat himself on the chest and would not even look up to God, but pleaded for God’s mercy and forgiveness.
Jesus said that this man was justified rather than the Pharisee.
“For everyone who exalts himself will be humbled, but the one who humbles himself will be exalted” (Luke 18:14).
How many believers fall into justifying themselves by how often they go to church, pray, or pay their tithe? These things are important actions, but followers of Christ receive their justification from God alone.
People are to receive the gift of righteousness that Jesus paid for on the cross,
“not a result of works, so that no one may boast” (Ephesians 2:8-9).
Intercede for citizens of the United States to receive a clear understanding of the gift of the gospel of Christ. Pray for the Church to identify with those around them, knowing all are sinners in need of God’s forgiveness (Romans 3:23).
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