Today’s Scripture immediately gets our attention! In contrast to the parable of the persistent widow which Jesus addressed to his disciples, this parable was addressed “To some who were confident of their own righteousness and looked down on everybody else” [Luke 18.9 NIV].

Perhaps neither you or I fit in this category?

Perhaps this section is for others, not us?

Maybe.

As we read Jesus’s words this morning, we see two men. Look how each addresses the Lord. How do each of their actions and words reflect their heart toward God? How does it reflect their heart toward others?

How is your heart and my heart aligned this morning?

How can you and I re-align our hearts to the measure of God’s holiness and through the power of Christ who lives in us?

[Luke 18.9-14]

9 He also told this parable to some who trusted in themselves that they were righteous, and treated others with contempt: 10 “Two men went up into the temple to pray, one a Pharisee and the other a tax collector. 11 The Pharisee, standing by himself, prayed thus: ‘God, I thank you that I am not like other men, extortioners, unjust, adulterers, or even like this tax collector. 12 I fast twice a week; I give tithes of all that I get.’ 13 But the tax collector, standing far off, would not even lift up his eyes to heaven, but beat his breast, saying, ‘God, be merciful to me, a sinner!’ 14 I tell you, this man went down to his house justified, rather than the other. For everyone who exalts himself will be humbled, but the one who humbles himself will be exalted.”

[ WHAT ] is this passage saying and what is a key truth or thought that we learn?

+ Imagine those listening to Jesus’s words in v. 9? What might the responses to this parable have been? How did you respond? Did you bristle? Did you dismiss it? Did you immediately think of someone else? Do you think Jesus is asking each of us if we need to check our hearts?

+ In v. 10, we meet two men. Make a list of how these men were viewed by others during this time.

+ Where did both of these men go in v. 10?

+ What was their intention as they went?

+ Who can we infer they were seeking?

+ How do vv. 11 and 13 confirm this inference?

+ Read vv. 11 and 12 aloud three times. What voice did you use for the Pharisee? How many times did he refer to himself?

+ What was the measure of holiness in the Pharisee’s prayer?

+ How often do you and I compare ourselves to others rather than the holiness of God Himself?

+ What sins does the Pharisee list that he is “above?”

+ Is this an honest or trustworthy assessment?

+ What does the conjunction, but, tell us as readers? What should we look for as we move to v. 13?

+ Read v. 13 aloud. How is your tone different than when you read vv. 11-12?

+ What was the tax collector’s posture and position as he came to God’s house?

+ How did the tax collector refer to himself?

+ V. 14 uses very general language. How does one know which man is referred to as justified? Does it surprise you that Jesus doesn’t specifically state which is which?

+ Think of another Scripture or parable that reflects/repeats the truth in v. 14b? How many different ones could you find? Why might Jesus have to share this truth again and again?

[ HOW ] is the Lord calling me to action/obedience?

+ Is there sin to confess or a next step to take? How has it gone since last time?

+ Do I hear God’s words to me in this parable? Am I willing to accept that I have some Pharisee in me? Am I willing to ask the Lord to show me so I can be healed?

+ Do I see myself as a sinner in need of mercy? How often? Just once or monthly or daily?

[ WHO ] am I walking with and praying for to discover Jesus?

+ What is my next step?

+ Who can I invite to search in the Scriptures to know God and what he desires more?

+ How can I walk with them as God’s Truth shapes their path?

+ How am I pointing others to God’s holiness rather than holding man as the measure?

+ Who can I rejoice with that God is merciful to me, a sinner?