Pride Versus Humility

 N.T.#617  "Pride Versus Humility"

August 21, 2025 

Luke 18-Part 2 

LET IT GLOW

Not only did Jesus teach to us to pray with persistence, but also to pray with humility. Jesus gives another parable. The Pharisees were at the top of the religious ladder, while the publican (tax collector) was at the bottom. What a contrast between the two.

First of all, this Pharisee (religious leader) went to the Temple to pray while he brought an appointed sacrifice. His priest must have been yonder in the Holy Place putting incense on the altar. 

How did this hypocrite pray?

• He stood praying with himself.
• He thanked God that he was not as other men are (telling the Lord what he wasn't instead of admitting his sins),
• including extortioners (to seize; catch away), unjust (wrongfulness; wrong), 
• adulterers, 
• or even as the publican there. (verse 11)

True, the Pharisee wasn't like the publican was. That's for sure. Then he proceeds to tell the Lord what he did:

• He fasted twice a week,
• gave tithes of all he possessed. (verse 12)

This old Pharisee is out there talking to himself-he thinks he is talking to God, but his prayer never got out of the rafters. All he did was have a pep talk; he patted himself on the back and went out proud as a peacock. God never heard that prayer. (J. Vernon McGee)

Did you hear his arrogance, self-righteousness? He expected God to grant him favor because he earned it. 

Did this guy pray just to be seen of men, but not to be seen of God?

He was a sinner like the tax collector. Apparently, there was no humility found in this guy.

LET IT GROW

On the other hand, we see a publican, one who was despised by the people for collecting more tax from them to pad his pocket. He had denied his religion, his nation as a Jew, and turned his back on God and His ways. He became rich, yet that did not satisfy his empty soul. 

How did the publican pray?

• He stood afar off, unworthy of being in the Temple.
• He would not lift up his eyes toward heaven as he prayed. 
• He smote his breast, beating himself up for his sinful lifestyle; mourning over his sins..
• This man prayed, God be merciful to me a sinner. (verse 13)

Merciful means to atone for sin or be propitious.

This man knew he didn't deserve God's mercy. He stood unworthy to approach God. This humble man asks for God to cover his sins with atoning blood, propitiating grace. (Swindoll)

Both men left the Temple for home, yet only one was justified. Which one? Jesus tells us in verse 14:

I tell you, this man went down to his house justified rather than the other: for every one that exalteth himself shall be abased; and he that humbleth himself shall be exalted. 

Abased means to humiliate (in condition or heart); bring low.

When we humble ourself before Holy God, He will lift us up as repentant sinners, not only to a place of undeserved honor, but all the way to heaven! (Swindoll)

LET IT GO

Keep us humble, letting go of pride.

Pleas show us mercy, Lord.

We are just sinners saved by Your grace.

Such love that You would die in our place, taking our punishment for our sins!

Glory to Your Name!