SCRIPTURE
Luke 18:9-14 New Testament
This story is another parable that Jesus preached. The characters are a Pharisee (Jewish religious leader) and a tax collector (Jewish but employed by the Romans) The parable is to teach humility verses pride. Micah 6:8 When someone asked , "What does the Lord require of you?" God answered, "To act justly, to love mercy, and to WALK HUMBLY WITH YOUR GOD." Humility is a vital action/behavior that Jesus preached and demonstrated with his life, like washing disciples feet at Last Supper for example.
Background on the tax collector is important to understand. They cheat their people in many ways and become rich from this. They were hated, spat upon, and despised because of this of course.
The Pharisees were pompous and monitored the Jews's behaviors for following the law of Moses to the letter, all 613 laws!
To make a point now. The Pharisee prayed very loudly in a public place so all could hear him. He bragged to God how righteous he was and all the great things he had done.
In contrast, the tax collector stood quietly in a private corner at a distance from people and prayed for mercy and forgiveness.
Which person was favored by God?
LESSON
Be humble in all you do. It's important to establish a good relationship with God and others. James 4: 10 says, "Humble yourself and He will lift you up." Luke 14:11, "For those who exalt themselves will be humbled (knocked down, put in your place by God!); and everyone who humbles himself will be exalted, elevated in God's eyes."💕