October 26, 2025 – God Will Take Care of You – Luke 18:9-14

Luke 18:9-14 is a parable about a Pharisee and a tax collector praying in the temple. The Pharisee proudly lists his good deeds, while the tax collector humbly asks for God’s mercy. Jesus concludes that the tax collector, not the Pharisee, went home justified, teaching that the humble who rely on God’s mercy are exalted, while the self-righteous who exalt themselves are humbled.

New Revised Standard Version Updated Edition

The Parable of the Pharisee and the Tax Collector

9 He also told this parable to some who trusted in themselves that they were righteous and regarded others with contempt: 10 “Two men went up to the temple to pray, one a Pharisee and the other a tax collector. 11 The Pharisee, standing by himself, was praying thus, ‘God, I thank you that I am not like other people: thieves, rogues, adulterers, or even like this tax collector. 12 I fast twice a week; I give a tenth of all my income.’ 13 But the tax collector, standing far off, would not even lift up his eyes to heaven but was beating his breast and saying, ‘God, be merciful to me, a sinner!’ 14 I tell you, this man went down to his home justified rather than the other, for all who exalt themselves will be humbled, but all who humble themselves will be exalted.”