A common occurrence in the Gospels is for Jesus to tell a
parable that the disciples don’t understand. Afterward we find them asking what
does this parable mean? But in Ch. 18 Luke reverses this pattern. He relates two
of the parables of Jesus and, before he gives them, he tells us what the
meaning and purpose of the parables are. Notice this is v. 1 and v. 9. I want
to focus on the second for a moment.
“He also told this parable to some who trusted in themselves
that they were righteous, and treated others with contempt.” (18:9) It seems
rather obvious that he is addressing the Pharisees. And quickly we can discern
what the essence of Pharisaical thinking was: spiritual self-confidence and
arrogance. The clear statement of intent makes this obvious and the parable
follows to pointedly show the wrongness of the Pharisee’s thinking and actions.
I wonder how often today we fall into the trap of
Pharisaism? How often do we think of ourselves as having arrived spiritually? I
think there’s an easy answer to that question. The first key to whether we are
trusting in ourselves that we have arrived spiritually is when we have thoughts
that we are more spiritual than someone else. Any time we fall prey to looking
down our spiritual noses at anyone else, we are thinking of ourselves as
spiritual studs.
Avoid it! Recognize it! Run from it. Let us beat on our
breasts and cry out, “God, be merciful to me, a sinner!” For, as is so true,
there but for the grace of God go I.”
Prayer: Father, apart from your mercy and grace I am
nothing. I deserve hell because I’m a filthy sinner before you. But you, Lord,
in your love plucked me from the pit and gave me life with you. To you be all
the praise! None of it goes to me. Thank you for your grace that chose me for
yourself because, in my sin, I would never have chosen you.
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