Authentic Humility

"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." (Luke 18:9-14)

Jesus' parable of the Pharisee and the tax collector is one of several in Luke regarding prayer. Here, in verses 9–14, Jesus reveals the authenticity of prayer.

Most of us find this parable straightforward. The church-going, rule-following Pharisee offers haughty, self-righteous words that we almost intuitively know should not be our prayer. In contrast, the lowly tax collector moves away from the crowd and asks only for mercy. Jesus says he went home justified.

So, pray like the tax collector, be humble before God.

But how do you have a humble heart in prayer? Suppose we simply try to avoid the Pharisee. In that case, our prayer might become something like, "God, thank you for making me humble and not like the boastful Pharisee." Even as we seek humility, we may find ourselves comparing our traits, qualities, and actions, thinking we are more righteous than those around us. After all, according to Jewish standards, the Pharisees were righteous, but they were not justified.

Righteousness, or success, is based on what we can do. The Pharisee has an inward focus, offering what he has done to be found worthy of God's love. In Luke 16:15, Jesus spoke directly to this. We will always fall short no matter how much we give or do.

The tax collector has an outward focus, recognising the full extent of his shortcomings, and pleads only for mercy. He understood God's divine nature, revealed ultimately through his Son, Jesus. God loves us and seeks to make us whole again. Jesus called the tax collector justified because he is counted righteous by God, not judged by the standards of men but by who God is. Loving. Compassionate. Merciful. In this sense, humility is simply a willingness to receive God's acceptance and love.

LET US PRAY - God, humble our hearts as we come to You in prayer. Let Your immense love, incredible sacrifice, and enduring grace overwhelm our shortcomings and let Your Spirit fill us with the peace that we are lovely in Your sight through Your Son, Jesus. In His name, I ask. Amen.