What Jesus Did : Luke 18:9 - Religious Arrogance Is the Target
by Phil Ware
Religious Arrogance Is the Target - Luke 18:9
There were some people that thought that they were very good. These people acted like they were better than other people. Jesus used this story to teach them: (ERV) Full TextKey Thought
Jesus' most scathing rebukes are reserved for those who are outwardly very religiously, but who are arrogant, self-righteous, and feel superior to everyone else. Once again, Jesus illustrates his point with a story so his disciples will not only know the truth of his message, but so they also can visualize what this religious arrogance looks like and can remember to avoid it in their own lives. Before we examine this story of Jesus, we should look at ourselves and ask, "What is the basis of our confidence?" Is it in comparing ourselves to others? Is it in our own works of righteousness? Or is it in God's grace and mercy shown us in Jesus?
Today's Prayer
Father, thank you for saving me, a sinner, who cannot live up to your standards of character, righteousness, and holiness. Thank you for making a way for your grace to reach me and bring me into your family as your child. In Jesus' name I pray. Amen.
Today's Verses in Context
There were some people that thought that they were very good. These people acted like they were better than other people. Jesus used this story to teach them: "One time there was a Pharisee and a tax collector. One day they both went to the temple to pray. The Pharisee stood alone, away from the tax collector. When the Pharisee prayed, he said, 'O God, I thank you that I am not as bad as other people. I am not like men that steal, cheat, or do the sin of adultery. I thank you that I am better than this tax collector. {I am good;} I fast twice a week, and I give one-tenth of everything I earn!' "The tax collector stood alone too. But when he prayed, he would not even look up to heaven. The tax collector felt very humble before God. He said, 'O God, have mercy on me. I am a sinner!' I tell you, when this man finished his prayer and went home, he was right with God. But the Pharisee, who felt that he was better than other people, was not right with God. Every person that makes himself important will be made humble. But the person that makes himself humble will be made important."-- Luke 18:9-14 (ERV)
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