Luke 18
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13 But the attitude of the second man, the tax collector, was totally different (see Mark 2:14 and comment). He knew that he was a sinner. He knew that he deserved only punishment from God for his sins. He was poor in spirit; he mourned for his sins (see Matthew 5:3-4 and comment). The only thing that he dared to ask for from God was mercy.
14 The tax collector went home justified before God. The Pharisee, however, was not justified in in God’s sight. The tax collector was forgiven and cleansed of his sin and was accepted by God. The Pharisee, on the other hand, was condemned by God because of his pride and lack of love.
From this important parable we learn that to be accepted and justified by God we must first humble ourselves and repent of our sins and beg God’s mercy. David wrote: A humble and contrite heart, O God, you will not despise (Psalm 51:17). Only when we have humbled ourselves before God will He then come to us and lift us up and clothe our nakedness with the righteousness of Christ.
But those who exalt themselves, like this Pharisee, God will humble. Such people will not be admitted into the kingdom of heaven. For everyone who exalts himself will be humbled, and he who humbles himself will be exalted (see Matthew 23:12 and comment).
(Matthew 19:13-15; Mark 10:13-16)
15-17 See Mark 10:13-16 and comment.
(Matthew 19:16-30; Mark 10:17-31)
18-30 See Mark 10:17-31 and comment.
(Matthew 20:17-19; Mark 10:32-34)
31-34 See Mark 10:32-34 and comment.
(Matthew 20:29-34; Mark 10:46-52)
35-43 See Mark 10:46-52 and comment.