Jesus on kingdom humility
Pray
Begin with prayer, opening your heart to His Word and Spirit.
Read Luke 18:9-14
9 To some who were confident of their own righteousness and looked down on everyone else, Jesus told this parable: 10 “Two men went up to the temple to pray, one a Pharisee and the other a tax collector. 11 The Pharisee stood by himself and prayed: ‘God, I thank you that I am not like other people—robbers, evildoers, adulterers—or even like this tax collector. 12 I fast twice a week and give a tenth of all I get.’
13 “But the tax collector stood at a distance. He would not even look up to heaven, but beat his breast and said, ‘God, have mercy on me, a sinner.’
14 “I tell you that this man, rather than the other, went home justified before God. For all those who exalt themselves will be humbled, and those who humble themselves will be exalted.”
Reflect
Jesus is once more turning the traditional understanding of the Kingdom on its head. This parable is personal and points to those who are not only overly confident, but also critical of others. Jesus again uses those who are despised, tax collectors, to show his listeners another way. The Pharisees are careful to fast, tithe and obey the laws of God. Their understanding of who they are is based on how others see them. The tax collector has a much better understanding of who he is in the sight of God.
Closing prayer
Father God, help us to understand in all things the true nature of your Kingdom. In your mercy help us to be your Kingdom people. Amen.