The First Sunday in Lent (GA)

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.”

There are many times when I wish that I was so noble and good as the Pharisee thinks he is. It would be great to be a perfect person. I don't know how I would feel about looking down on others. But if I did look down on others I guess I would not truly be as good as the Pharisee thinks he is.

Many of us think that we are better than other people. Sometimes it is because we are smarter. Sometimes it is because we are not consumed with ourselves or our image. There are others who just think they deserve to be treated better. Some think that money can make everything better, and people better.

The truth is that Jesus was better than any of us. Jesus humbled himself to be born of a virgin. He took on your sin and mortal flesh. He was walked to the cross and crucified for the forgiveness of sins. He humbles himself to lift up our heads that have fallen, because of our wretchedness. Be humbled and be forgiven.