9 To some who trusted in their own righteousness and viewed others with contempt, He also told this parable: 10 “Two men went up to the temple to pray. One was a Pharisee and the other a tax collector. 11 The Pharisee stood by himself and prayed, ‘God, I thank You that I am not like the other men—swindlers, evildoers, adulterers—or even like this tax collector. 12 I fast twice a week and pay tithes of all that I acquire.’

13 But the tax collector stood at a distance, unwilling even to lift up his eyes to heaven. Instead, he beat his breast and said, ‘God, have mercy on me, a sinner!’ 14 I tell you, this man, rather than the Pharisee, went home justified. For everyone who exalts himself will be humbled, but the one who humbles himself will be exalted.”

REFLECTIONS

Written by Sarah Armstrong

How do we view ourselves? We are often so quick to compare ourselves with others – to judge how well we are going. For example, we parents often judge our parenting by how well behaved our kids are compared to someone else’s. Or we congratulate ourselves on following society’s rules better than someone else. So many other examples popped into my mind!

In today’s passage, Jesus tells a parable to challenge and change the attitude of those who trust in their own righteousness and view others with contempt.

Jesus doesn’t just look at our outward actions. Jesus knows our hearts. Those who want to be forgiven and justified – which means to become “just as if I didn’t sin” – need to be like that tax collector rather than the Pharisee. Tax collectors were social outcasts, whereas the Pharisees had the best outward appearance of following all God’s laws. But actions aren’t what justifies us. God justifies those who come to him with a humble, contrite heart (v 14).

This is not a new idea. In the Old Testament, God said to Samuel, “the LORD does not see as man does. For man sees the outward appearance, but the LORD sees the heart” (1 Samuel 16:7). King David cried out to God, “Have mercy on me, O God … For I know my transgressions” (Psalm 51:1, 3).

The difference now is that, because of Jesus, we can be justified – and we know how: because of his death on the cross.

We need to keep humbling ourselves. This is a big challenge for me – no matter how long I have been a Christian I still need to keep repenting and working towards being like the tax collector. I was reminded today that I’m only justified because of Jesus’ sacrifice, and I am not saved by my actions, no matter how “good” they are. It Is truly a heart issue and not an action issue. I cannot bring anything to contribute to my salvation. So today, I will be still for a minute and ask God humbly to “have mercy on me, a sinner!” and thank him humbly for saving me. How great is our God! Stop and reflect too, and let’s all humbly repent and exalt Him each day.

ABOUT THE AUTHOR

Sarah is our Parish Administrator.