Humble!

For Sunday, August 17, 2025:

Luke 18:9 NLT: “Jesus told this story to some who had great confidence in their own righteousness and scorned everyone else.”

Two men entered the Temple to pray. They could not have been more different, one a Pharisee, the other a tax collector. The Pharisee thought highly of himself, saying, “I thank you, God, that I am not like other people—cheaters, sinners, adulterers. I’m certainly not like that tax collector!”

Tax collectors are thought to be the worst of all sinners. This traitor had switched sides and was working for the Roman oppressors. This man clearly knew he was in the wrong. “O God, be merciful to me, for I am a sinner.”

The repentant sinner was justified that day, not the Pharisee.

Jesus concludes his lesson: “Those who exalt themselves will be humbled, and those who humble themselves will be exalted.” The Bible says, “Don’t think more highly of yourself than you ought!”

Oftentimes, taking a step down results in being lifted up!

Pastor Norton Lawellin
Jesus In the City Fellowship