Read : Luke 18-9-14

He also told this parable to some people who were confident of their own righteousness and looked down on others: “Two men went up to the temple to pray; one was a Pharisee, and the other was a tax collector. The Pharisee stood and prayed like this: ‘God, I thank you that I am not like the rest of men: extortionists, wrongdoers, adulterers, or even like this tax collector.  I fast twice a week. I give tithes of all I get.’ But the tax collector, standing far away, wouldn’t even lift his eyes to heaven, but beat his chest, saying, ‘God, have mercy on me, a sinner!’  I tell you, this man went home justified rather than the other; for everyone who exalts himself will be humbled, but the one who humbles himself will be exalted.”

Explanation

Jesus contrasts two approaches to God: one based on self-righteous comparison, and the other on humble dependence. The Pharisee measures himself against others and finds confidence in his performance, while the tax collector recognises his need and appeals for mercy.

The result is clear. Justification belongs not to the one who seems righteous, but to the one who knows he is not. This reveals a fundamental truth: acceptance before God is not earned, but received. Pride distances, but humility draws us closer. The attitude of the heart determines the reality of the relationship.

A question for today

What is God showing me about my attitude before Him and in front of others?

A sentence to take into the day

God desires me to be genuine with Him.

One thing to do today

Come to God honestly today, acknowledging your need rather than your achievements.