Daily Devotion, February 8, 2020

Devotion:

Read Luke 18:9-14.

  We all have a tendency to judge other people. I sometimes wonder what our motivation is for that. I am guessing (and maybe confessing) that it often has something to do with helping us feel better about ourselves. We know of our own issues and sins, but somehow find some satisfaction in comparing ourselves to some other person or family or group and saying “At least I’m not like them.”

  The introduction to this parable gives us the reason for Jesus telling it: “To some who were confident of their own righteousness and looked down on everybody else….” Jesus has a “target audience” for this story!

  The Pharisees were deeply committed to God and the Scriptures. They had devoted themselves to living their lives by what the Scriptures taught. That’s a good thing! However, for some of them, they had succumbed to the temptation to feel good about how good they were. They were “confident in their own righteousness…” Their confidence was probably fed not only by how good they were at what they did (and didn’t do), but also when they noticed how other people lived their lives. So they “looked down on everybody else.” Jesus makes it clear that though they are seeking to serve God, that attitude and spirit separates them from God.

  When I read this parable, it is very tempting to do exactly what Jesus says not to do - I find myself judging the Pharisee! Let’s learn from both men in the story, but not judge them. In your relationships with both God and other people, stay humble.

Personal Worship Option:

Offer a prayer of confession related to the lessons of this parable and seek a spirit of humility.