Fear Not! Your Sins Are Forgiven
READ: Luke 18:9-14
Jim and John were in the same Algebra class and both got away with cheating on the exam. Although he got away with it, John was racked with guilt over his sin. He came to his teacher and was granted an opportunity to retake the test. Jim, though, ignored his conscience and took all the glory for his “A”. Which one of these two had true happiness and peace? Of course, it was John.
In the same way, the tax collector came to the temple full of guilt over his sin. He was so ashamed of his sins; he couldn’t even look to heaven. The Pharisee on the other hand was proud of his artificial good works and wanted people to take notice of what he considered his salvation. He even thanked God that “I am not like all other men—robbers, evildoers, adulterers—or even like this tax collector.” (verse 11)
Jesus was directing this parable to the Pharisees who were confident of their own righteousness and looked down on everybody else. At the end of the parable, He said that the tax collector went home justified before God (verse 13). Then Christ remarked that whoever humbles himself will be exalted.
In our own lives, we should not be overly proud of our salvation. We need to give all the credit to God and His grace and not to what we have done. If we do this, we will be glorified before our heavenly Father and will enjoy life in heaven.
THINGS TO THINK ABOUT: What would you have done in John’s situation? How can you keep your pride in check when the opportunity for self-praise arises? How can you give glory to God in your everyday life?
PRAYER SUGGESTIONS: Ask Jesus for forgiveness for the times you have taken the glory for yourself. Pray for a friend who you know is unrepentant of a repetitive sin. Thank God for your free salvation and the gift of His Son.