Luke 18:9 (KJV)
And he spake this parable unto certain which trusted in themselves that they were righteous, and despised others:
In my experience, this parable is used primarily to teach about salvation. We read that the publican went home “justified” and understand the Pharisee as religious but lost, while the publican knows he is a sinner in need of salvation. I have no complaint with that application.
But Jesus tells us at the outset whom He is addressing: those who trusted in their own righteousness and despised others. When we assume we are righteous, it becomes easy to look down on people we believe fall short. It is never right to despise others, for any cause.
Jesus closes the parable with this lesson:
Luke 18:14 (KJV)
“… for every one that exalteth himself shall be abased; and he that humbleth himself shall be exalted.”
That warning reaches beyond the religious lost. Saved people can be judgmental and hateful toward others, too. We need humility every bit as much as the publican did.
God saves those who humble themselves and ask for mercy instead of trusting in their own righteousness. He also lifts up Christians who learn humility before Him, while those who assume they are right about everything must still be brought low.
Pride is as sinful as any sin.
#Luke18v9 #PhariseeAndPublican #ChristianHumility #TrustNotInYourself #DespiseNoOne
Righteous pride despises people: Mercy begins with humility
What does the parable of the Pharisee and publican reveal about our own hearts? Luke 18:9 warns against trusting in our righteousness and despising others—a warning Christians need, too.
Leave a comment: How has this passage challenged your attitude toward others?
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