Lesson 4420

 (Lesson 4420)(03-10-24) Luke 18:9-14 

“Two men went up into the temple to pray; the one a Pharisee, and the other a publican. The Pharisee stood and prayed thus with himself, God, I thank thee, that I am not as other men are, extortioners, unjust, adulterers, or even as this publican. I fast twice in the week, I give tithes of all that I possess. And the publican, standing afar off, would not lift up so much as his eyes unto heaven, but smote upon his breast, saying, God be merciful to me a sinner. I tell you, this man went down to his house justified rather than the other: for every one that exalteth himself shall be abased; and he that humbleth himself shall be exalted.” 

 

Today’s quote emphasizes the virtues of humility and sincere repentance in one's relationship with God. This passage contrasts the self-righteous, prideful attitude of the Pharisee with the humble, repentant posture of the tax collector. The Pharisee's prayer, filled with self-praise, demonstrated a misplaced confidence in his own deeds and a judgmental view of others, which distanced him from God. On the other hand, the tax collector's simple plea for mercy, wherein he acknowledged his sinfulness, represented a genuine understanding of his need for God's saving grace. Jesus highlighted that true righteousness and justification before God are not attained through works of the flesh or are they obtained by the fulfilling of religious duties, but rather, they are obtained through a humble acknowledgment of one's shortcomings and dependence on God's mercy. This teaches that spiritual authenticity and humility are highly valued by God and are the keys to a right relationship with Him.~