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.” (Luke 18:14)
Have you ever been completely shocked before? Chances are, the answer is yes... of course! You expect one result, but then, out of nowhere, the unexpected happens. The conclusion to this parable comes as a shock to the audience listening. Jesus pronounces the shocking reversal of common expectations. The unrighteous man goes down to his house justified, while the righteous man does not.
As studied in our last devotional, the tax collector approached God with nothing in his hands. He humbly came to the Father recognizing his hope was in the mercy of God alone. The bargaining game was not being played – the tax collector did not offer any personal achievement for the grace of God. There’s nothing that allows him to been praised for. His humility was the sole reason why he was sent back to his house justified.
It is easy to skim over four essential words in this verse, “rather than the other”. The one who was thanking God for his righteousness, the Pharisee, was sent to his house unjustified. Let that sink in. The Pharisee is trusting in the righteousness that God has worked in him for the basis of his acceptance and acquittal and justification. He believes that the righteousness that God helps him do in his life is a sufficient basis for his justification. Jesus said otherwise.
The Pharisee goes down to his house righteous and unjustified, while the tax collector goes down to his house as unrighteous and justified. Justification is something that we cannot accomplish on our own. Before going any further, if you’re like me, you may be asking the question – “why must we pursue righteousness, if we cannot accomplish justification on our own?” Good question. In short, both the Old and New Testament call believers to pursue holiness, but rather than trusting in it for our salvation, we strive after it out of gratefulness for God’s free gift of unconditional grace and mercy.
As we wrap up our six-part devotional series, the next devotional will tie up the loose ends to the meaning of this parable and reveal the true of image of what makes us righteous before God. Praise Him that our justification, depends, not on our own works, but our desperate need of His continual mercy.
Merciful God, thank you for the promises of your Word. I stand before You aware only of my need. I find rest and peace in knowing that I am invited to return to my home in mercy, grace, and gratitude only because of You. Amen.
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