40 lines
1.9 KiB
Markdown
40 lines
1.9 KiB
Markdown
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title = "Luke 18:9–14"
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date = "2023-01-12"
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### [Read the passage.](https://biblia.com/bible/esv/Lk18.9-14)
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It's so nice when the Bible tells you the reason part of it was written. Here
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we are told specifically that this parable was told to some who trusted in
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their own righteousness and looked down on those they deemed less holy than
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themselves. In this parable, we have two characters from opposite ends of the
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respectability spectrum: a Pharisee and a tax collector. If you've been
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following along so far, you will be almost as familiar with these stereotypes
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as Jesus's audience, and will probably expect how Jesus subverts those
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stereotypes.
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Both men go to the temple to pray. The Pharisee's prayer is very boastful,
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thanking God that he isn't a sinner like various other men, including the tax
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collector he says there with him. His prayer is totally focused on himself. The
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tax collector, instead of praying _about_ himself prays _for_ himself. He is
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contrite and repentant, knowing that he needs God's mercy to deal with his sin.
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Jesus tells us that the second man was justified before God, contrary to the
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expectations of His listeners. It is only when people realize they are sinners
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and can't do anything about it on their own do they turn to God for salvation.
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Anyone who is full enough of themselves to think they can handle even their
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fundamental problems like a sin nature, or so proud to think they are unfixable
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and God couldn't possibly accept them, is not going to put their faith in Jesus
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Christ for their redemption.
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God's divine reversal of human expectations is a consequence of our sin
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positioning us against Him. So then, if we exalt ourselves, He will humble us
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because we cannot attain His perfection. Yet if we humble ourselves,
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acknowledging our proper place before the Lord, He will lift us up and bless us
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beyond our wildest imaginings.
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* * *
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Let us keep in mind both our sin and Your mercy, with all gratitude and
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humility.
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