Scripture to Read: Luke 18:13-14
We have examined the prayer of the Pharisee, and now we read what Jesus shared about the tax collector’s prayer in Luke 18:13–14, “But the tax collector, standing some distance away, was even unwilling to lift up his eyes to heaven, but was beating his breast, saying, ‘God, be merciful to me, the sinner!’ 14 I tell you, this man went to his house justified rather than the other; for everyone who exalts himself will be humbled, but he who humbles himself will be exalted.” We see several things about the tax collector. First, he did not feel worthy to come into the temple; therefore, he stayed as far back as he could. He would not look up to heaven, for he felt unworthy to do so. He beat his chest as a sign of deep sorrow, humility, and repentance. In the days of Jesus, it was a physical expression of grief and remorse, showing that he felt unworthy before God and was earnestly asking for mercy. Take special note that the tax collector did not have a list of his achievements; he had no defense and never sought to compare himself to others. He simply came with an honest need. Jesus said that the tax collector was left “justified,” meaning he was declared right before God. The tax collector humbled himself before God and knew he had nothing to offer God except his sin-filled life. We have nothing to offer God either; therefore, we must continually humble ourselves before Him, thanking Him for all He gives us through Christ, and recognizing that we are nothing apart from Him.
Challenge & Application
What contrast do you see between the Pharisee and the tax collector?
How must we approach God’s throne of grace each day, and why?
Don’t forget to pray using the A.C.T.S. (Adoration, Confession, Thanksgiving, Supplication) method!