In the Gospel of Luke, Jesus tells a poignant parable about two men who went to the temple to pray: a Pharisee and a tax collector. This parable, found in Luke 18:9-14, serves as a powerful reminder of the heart posture we are called to as followers of Christ. It speaks volumes about humility, grace, and the dangers of self-righteousness.
“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.’
‘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 18:10-14, NIV)
As Christians, we are called to live by a different standard than the world. The values of the Kingdom of God often stand in stark contrast to those of society. While the world may celebrate pride, self-sufficiency, and outward appearances, Jesus calls us to humility, dependence on God, and inner transformation.
However, in striving to live righteously, we must guard against the trap of self-righteousness. It’s easy to fall into the mindset of the Pharisee, believing that our good deeds or religious practices make us superior to others. This attitude not only distances us from God but also from those we are called to love and serve.
The Pharisee in the parable was confident in his own righteousness. He listed his religious accomplishments and looked down on the tax collector, who was despised by society for his profession and perceived dishonesty. Yet, it was the humble, repentant tax collector who went home justified before God.
This parable reminds us that our righteousness is not something we earn or achieve on our own. It is a gift from God, made possible through the sacrifice of Jesus Christ. Ephesians 2:8-9 says, “For it is by grace you have been saved, through faith—and this is not from yourselves, it is the gift of God—not by works, so that no one can boast.”
The Apostle Paul reminds us in Romans 5:10, “For if, while we were God’s enemies, we were reconciled to him through the death of his Son, how much more, having been reconciled, shall we be saved through his life!” This verse serves as a sobering reminder of our own past and the incredible grace we’ve received.
We were once enemies of God, living in sin and rebellion. It was only through His mercy and love that we were brought into a relationship with Him. This truth should humble us and compel us to extend the same grace and compassion to others.
As Christians, when we encounter someone who does not live in a Christian way, our response should be rooted in love and compassion. Instead of criticizing or condemning them, we are called to share the Gospel with them. Jesus’ command in the Great Commission is clear: “Therefore go and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, and teaching them to obey everything I have commanded you” (Matthew 28:19-20, NIV).
Sharing the Gospel is not about pointing out someone’s faults or making them feel unworthy. It is about sharing the transformative love of Jesus Christ that we have experienced ourselves. It is about offering hope, redemption, and the promise of a new life in Christ.
Lazarevic Ministries 