Devotion:
Read Luke 18:9-14.
Although I can make a case for both Matthew and John, Luke is my favorite Gospel. He includes two of the best stories Jesus told (“The Good Samaritan” and “The Prodigal Son”) along with several others. This parable in our passage for today is another good lesson on what it means to be the people of Jesus Christ and live his way.
When we are trying our best to live a good life, sometimes we can become rather satisfied and even pleased with ourselves. The Pharisee in this story took that to another level of focusing on himself and his own goodness. That was bad enough. However, it also caused him to look down on others who he determined were not living like he thought they should. I’m guessing “all tax collectors” were in that category for him. But the tax collector understood his need for forgiveness and approached God in prayer with a sense of humility and repentance. Jesus affirmed his approach as the one which connects with God.
It is “good news” to know that we do not have to trust in ourselves, as to whether we have been good enough or done enough good things, but that we only need to place our trust in the gift of grace that God offers through Jesus Christ.
Personal Worship Option:
Offer this prayer or one in your own words: Gracious God, forgive me when I have thoughts of being better than others. Continue to teach me the humility that Jesus taught us, so that I can relate to any and every person I meet. In his name I pray, Amen.
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