Luke 18:9-14
God's nature is to resist the proud and give grace to the humble. The battle between Jesus and those who are self-righteous continues here in this parable. We are told that they trust in themselves that they are righteous and also that they view others with contempt. Years ago I did a Bible study called The Mind of Christ, excellent study by the way and I highly recommend it, one thing has stood out to me all these years from that study. It described a puritanical attitude, an attitude that is marked by seeing yourself as good or righteous and comparing others with yourself rather than to Jesus. This attitude is at the heart of this parable. How do we really approach God? Do we think God should be impressed with all we have done; do we want others to admire and applaud our activities? Do we trust in our own moral efforts to bring us favor before God? Do we exalt our self rather than others? It is clear that Jesus is condemning these actions and instead reminds us that humility is what God is looking for. Finally, is there anyone that we are looking on with contempt? Maybe we are comparing them to ourselves rather than to Jesus.
"Put on therefore, as the elect of God, holy and beloved, bowels of mercies, kindness, humbleness of mind, meekness, longsuffering." Col. 3:12
