In this message from Luke 18, we walk through Jesus’ parable of the Pharisee and the tax collector — a story that exposes one of the most dangerous spiritual conditions: trusting in ourselves instead of trusting in God’s mercy.

Two men go to the temple.

Both pray.

Both believe in God.

But only one goes home justified.

This sermon shows that the issue is not prayer style, church attendance, morality, or religious effort. The issue is justification — how a sinner is made right before a holy God.

The Pharisee represents outward religion, discipline, and self-confidence. His prayer is full of comparison, performance, and self-righteousness. The tax collector represents spiritual bankruptcy. He brings no resume, no defense — only a plea:

“God, be merciful to me, a sinner.”

Jesus’ verdict overturns human expectations:

👉 The religious man leaves unjustified.

👉 The sinner who trusted mercy leaves declared righteous.

This message reminds us:

• Self-righteousness is more dangerous than open rebellion

• Prayer without humility is performance, not faith

• Justification is not earned — it is received by faith

• God justifies the ungodly who trust in His mercy

• The way up in God’s kingdom is the way down in humility

The gospel is not that bad people become good.

It’s that guilty people are declared righteous through faith in Jesus Christ.

Come empty-handed. Leave justified.

Speaker: Pastor Landon Churchill