Luke 18:9-14 (ESV)
He also told this parable to some who trusted in themselves that they were righteous, and treated others with contempt: [10] "Two men went up into the temple to pray, one a Pharisee and the other a tax collector. [11] The Pharisee, standing by himself, prayed thus: 'God, I thank you that I am not like other men, extortioners, unjust, adulterers, or even like this tax collector. [12] I fast twice a week; I give tithes of all that I get.' [13] But the tax collector, standing far off, would not even lift up his eyes to heaven, but beat his breast, saying, 'God, be merciful to me, a sinner!' [14] 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."
Questions for Reflection
1. How does our society regard the quality of humility?
2. How do we judge people according to outward appearances?
3. How important are outward appearances in our culture today?
4. What does this parable teach us about our prayer habits?
5. Why does God honor the prayers of a humble person?
6. In what area of your life do you want to combat a tendency to exalt yourself instead of Christ?
