7 day plan

Abundant Grace

Day 4 of 7

NIV

Luke 18:9-13

"To some who were confident of their own righteousness and looked down on everyone else, Jesus told this parable: 'Two men went up to the temple to pray, one a Pharisee and the other a tax collector. The Pharisee stood by himself and prayed: ‘God, I thank you that I am not like other people—robbers, evildoers, adulterers—or even like this tax collector. I fast twice a week and give a tenth of all I get.’ “But the tax collector stood at a distance. He would not even look up to heaven, but beat his breast and said, ‘God, have mercy on me, a sinner.’" Luke 18:9-13 (NIV)

Reflection: Thank God I Am Not Like You?

Jesus sets this parable against the backdrop of Jewish religious life in the first century. The temple was the central place of worship, and prayer was a cornerstone of Jewish piety. Pharisees, known for their strict adherence to religious law, were highly respected in society. Tax collectors, on the other hand, were despised as collaborators with the Roman occupation and notorious for their dishonesty.

In this context, Jesus’ parable subverts expectations. The Pharisee, a model of religious observance, stands alone and recites a self-congratulatory prayer. He lists his accomplishments — fasting twice a week, tithing meticulously – and thanks God for not being like other people, especially the tax collector. He emphasises his adherence to the letter of the law, even going beyond its requirements.

The tax collector, in stark contrast, stands at a distance, his head bowed. He beats his breast, a gesture of deep remorse, and utters a simple prayer: “God have mercy on me, a sinner.” He doesn’t try to justify himself or compare himself to others. He simply acknowledges his sinfulness and pleads for God’s mercy.

Jesus’ shocking declaration that the tax collector, not the Pharisee, is justified before God challenges our understanding of righteousness: “I tell you that this man, rather than the other, went home justified before God. For all those who exalt themselves will be humbled, and those who humble themselves will be exalted.” (Luke 18:14). It’s not about meticulous rule-keeping or comparing ourselves to others. It’s about humility, recognising our need for God’s grace, and accepting his forgiveness.

This parable invites us to examine our own hearts and motivations.

Are you more concerned with appearing righteous to others, or with cultivating a genuine relationship with God? God looks at the heart, not just outward appearances. The Pharisee focused on his external actions, but God sees the heart.

How can you shift your focus from self-reliance to reliance on God’s grace? The Pharisee trusted in his own efforts, but true righteousness comes from God alone. Our good deeds are not enough to earn God’s favour.

How can you cultivate a spirit of repentance and humility in your own life? The tax collector’s humble acknowledgment of his sin opened the door to God’s mercy. True repentance leads to humility and dependence on God.

Prayer:

Dear Lord, forgive me for the times I’ve focused on my own accomplishments or looked down on others. Help me to see myself as you see me, to recognise my need for your grace and mercy. Teach me to humbly accept your salvation and rely on you alone. Amen.

 

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