“(Jesus) also told this parable to some who trusted in themselves that they were righteous, and treated others with contempt: ‘Two men went up into the temple to pray, one a Pharisee and the other a tax collector. 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. I fast twice a week; I give tithes of all that I get.’ 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!’ I tell you, this man (tax collector) went down to his house justified, rather than the other (Pharisee). For everyone who exalts himself will be humbled, but the one who humbles himself will be exalted.’” - Luke 18:9-14 Jesus calls out one of society’s biggest issues, particularly when it comes to “religion.” The Pharisees were basically the religious people you may know today- bent on keeping rules, treating others terribly, thinking themselves to be perfect. This idea that we can be “good” or “holy” enough to impress God. However, Jesus tells us very clearly that we CAN’T be good enough. We see this tax collector (who were all absolutely HATED in Jesus’ day) who KNEW he didn’t have what it took, that he wasn’t holy or good or righteous enough. He understood that only God is good (Mark 10:18), and that he was a wretched sinner, as we ALL are (Romans 3:23). And yet, it is this tax collector, this utter sinner, who Jesus said is justified- who is made right before God. NOT because he was “good” or “righteous” or “holy” enough but because he realized his hopelessness and inability to save himself, and he turned to God instead of himself. The Pharisee trusted in himself that he was righteous, and could save himself. BUT we know that NO ONE will be saved by their good works (Galatians 2:16). Be like the tax collector here! Never trust in yourself- in your so-called righteousness, or “good works,” because we know we all miss the mark. But thankfully, Jesus met that mark for us, He did what was impossible for us (Matthew 19:26). So TURN TO JESUS, trust in Him and what He did for you on the cross. Hello friends! This is another devotional I wrote specifically for my Instagram followers (a largely atheistic audience) but I wanted to share it here as well. It is definitely an important reminder for us ALL, a reminder to rely on Jesus, and not ourselves.
Keep in mind, this devo is very short and not as in depth as I’d like, because Instagram has a 2,200 character limit on posts, so I had to make it short and sweet. Have a great week!
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