Who’s Justified:

Context:

• Jesus directed the next parable to a particular set of people.
• To those who trusted in themselves.
• To those who trusted in their righteousness.
• To those who treated others with contempt.

Luke 18:10-14 “...Two men went up into the temple to pray, one a Pharisee and the other a tax collector. The Pharisee, standing by himself, prayed thus: ‘God, I thank you that I am not like other men, extortioners, unjust, adulterers, or even like this tax collector. I fast twice a week; I give tithes of all that I get.’ But the tax collector, standing far off, would not even lift up his eyes to heaven, but beat his breast, saying, ‘God, be merciful to me, a sinner!’ I tell you, this man went down to his house justified, rather than the other. For everyone who exalts himself will be humbled, but the one who humbles himself will be exalted...”

For what was the Pharisee thankful?

• That he was superior to the tax collector.

In what did the Pharisee pride himself?

• That he fasted and tithed.

For what was the tax collector thankful?

• Jesus doesn’t directly say, but the tax collector was looking for mercy. 
• What was the Pharisee looking for? [accolades]

In what did the tax collector pride himself?

• Pride did not appear to be present.
• He recognized his sinfulness.

Which attitude did Jesus say brought justification?

• The repentant tax collector was justified.
• The Pharisee was not.

What did Jesus describe as the underlying principle?

• Pride will be resisted.
• Humility is what God rewards.

How do most religious people carry themselves?

• Most are proud of their position and their discipline. 
• Most look down on those who aren’t embracing their lifestyle.

How do we carry ourselves?

Does becoming a Christian put a person in a superior position?

• Accepting the sacrifice of Jesus brings forgiveness, not superiority.

Does it matter how we think of others?

• Self righteous attitudes expose a person’s sinful pride.
• Pride is not acceptable to God.
• God humbles the proud.