Midweek 2021 Feb 24 - Pharisee and Tax Collector Parable

This week, we explore the parable of the Pharisee and the Tax Collector
Read Luke 18:9-14
Jesus uses a parable to teach a valuable lesson on the attitude of our hearts. Jesus speaks sharply to a group of people who trusted in themselves more than God, and looked at others with contempt. Jesus describes two different men, one a Pharisee and the other a tax collector. The Pharisee prays in the temple and boast of his self-righteous actions. The tax collector approaches God with a downtrodden and humbled demeanor. He simply calls out to God for mercy for the sin in his life. Jesus speaks clearly that the tax collector has shown humility and is therefore justified before God, who has answered his plea for mercy, unlike the arrogant Pharisee with a hard heart.
Faith Challenge:
We don't like to admit that we have sin in our life. We don't like to be told we are wrong and we take great pride in being able to "fix" our own problems. The danger in this, becomes a sense or arrogance and self-righteous attitude and thinking. The harsh truth is... NONE of us are worthy of God's kingdom and are undeserving of his grace and mercy. Yet, in humility we cry out to God and see His love poured over us and it is Jesus blood that covers our sin. In His mercy, we are given peace of mind knowing that the heavy burden of sin has been removed and we are free to live our lives as redeemed children of God. Yet, for those stuck in sin, who refuse to acknowledge their need for God's grace/forgiveness, they run the risk of being crushed by the consequences of sin. Their spiritual death comes with eternal consequences. During the season of Lent, we turn our eyes inward and reflect on the sin in our life, we seek God's forgiveness. As a family or with friends, talk about what sins that may be present in your life and consider the effects of those sins. What moments have you hurt others by your actions and words. Read scripture and pray as a family, to ask God for His forgiveness from the specific sins you struggle with. If needed, ask for forgiveness from each other as well.