For the past five devotionals, we have walked through the Parable of the Pharisee and the Tax Collector. Our verse-by-verse study allowed us to dive deeper into the meaning of the text. We studied the context of the parable, then walked through the four scenes that make up Jesus’ narrative in Luke 18:9-14. With that said, we still have to conclude the story. But before concluding the story, let’s apply this to our own life.
One application point that we can extract from the parable is being open to hearing the truth. Pharisees teach us not to be stuck in our own ways. The Pharisee wasn’t open to the teachings of Jesus, which ended up having eternal consequences. We must not have our own echo chamber where we completely miss the truth of God’s Word.
Second, we should not judge others or play the comparison game. Ultimately, God is our judge (Isaiah 33:22) and He has the final say. The Pharisee presented a judgmental attitude toward “other men” when thanking God that he is not like them. This is the fruit of spiritual pride. He proceeded to compare himself to others by announcing his good deeds. We all fall short to the glory of God – not one person compares to our holy Father. When having this in mind, the playing field is leveled out. Not one person is better than the other.
Third, bragging is ungodly. This is seen throughout the church, individuals boasting about their “mighty” works for Christ. The Pharisee did exactly this during his arrogant prayer – “I fast twice a week; I give tithes of all that I get”. God despises such motives. Ask God to reveal the sinful, prideful nature of your heart. Then, confess and repent to Him asking for the Holy Spirit to transform your motives to reflect Christ.
Finally, fourth, we must trust God and depend on Him. Be more like the tax collector – admitting your weakness and leaning on the Father. If there is anything you are doing to be saved by God, you are missing the point. Be at peace knowing that our trust is not in ourselves. If it were, we would miserably fail again and again. That’s what makes the Gospel worth dying for. We can fully depend on our Father. The One who made it possible for us to be sent home justified. This is where we find the conclusion of the story, in the name of one person: Jesus Christ.
Jesus Christ is our righteousness. Our trust is in Christ alone, not our own works, for right standing before God. Romans 5:8 says, “But God demonstrates his own love for us in this: While we were still sinners, Christ died for us.” The Bible says that even though we deserve the death penalty for our sin, Jesus took the penalty. He died in our place. Three days later, Jesus rose from the dead, conquering death and sin. We are saved through faith alone, in Christ alone. Ephesians 2:8-9 proclaims, “For it is by grace you have been saved, through faith—and this not from yourselves, it is the gift of God—not by works, so that no one can boast.” We can depend on Jesus to forgive us and give eternal life rather than eternal death. This is the Gospel.
Father, be merciful to me, a sinner. May I have an open heart and mind to the truth of Scripture, abound more in love, be humble, and depend on You more. I do this to exalt your name above all others. For those who don’t know you, please reveal their desperate need of a Savior – Jesus Christ. Amen.
Comments