Humility (Luke 18:9-30)
Luke gives us three stories to illustrate what Jesus taught about vindication, and it has a lot to do with humility and self-awareness.
The Pharisee and the Tax Collector (18:9-14)
The story of the pharisee and the tax collector makes no bones about who can be right with God. Surprisingly for many, it has little to do with religion or righteousness in the world’s eyes. Whereas the religious professional is focused on self, and his merits before God, the tax collector is focused on God and His mercy. In the end, the pharisee stands condemned while the tax collector is commended.
Jesus and the Children (18:15-170
Next, Luke relates a time when people were trying to bring their kids to Jesus to be blessed. The disciples think Jesus is too important and too busy to waste His time on kids. Instead, Jesus rebukes them and informs then that it is a child-like attitude that gains one’s access to the Kingdom of God.
The Rich Ruler (18:18-30)
Finally, we get the story of the rich ruler. He approaches Jesus asking what he needs to do to be right with God. Jesus mentions several of the commandments, all of which the ruler does not seem to struggle with. However, then Jesus points out the rulers idol, his wealth. The ruler cannot give that idol up.
Jesus tells His disciples that it is basically impossible for the rich to be right with God. Lukily, that which is impossible for people is not impossible for God. And ultimately, it is God that makes people right and saves them from their sin.
All that is asked of us is the humility to realize we cannot accomplish our salvation on our own. Not with religion, not with importance, and not with riches.
The Pharisee and the Tax Collector (18:9-14)
The story of the pharisee and the tax collector makes no bones about who can be right with God. Surprisingly for many, it has little to do with religion or righteousness in the world’s eyes. Whereas the religious professional is focused on self, and his merits before God, the tax collector is focused on God and His mercy. In the end, the pharisee stands condemned while the tax collector is commended.
Jesus and the Children (18:15-170
Next, Luke relates a time when people were trying to bring their kids to Jesus to be blessed. The disciples think Jesus is too important and too busy to waste His time on kids. Instead, Jesus rebukes them and informs then that it is a child-like attitude that gains one’s access to the Kingdom of God.
The Rich Ruler (18:18-30)
Finally, we get the story of the rich ruler. He approaches Jesus asking what he needs to do to be right with God. Jesus mentions several of the commandments, all of which the ruler does not seem to struggle with. However, then Jesus points out the rulers idol, his wealth. The ruler cannot give that idol up.
Jesus tells His disciples that it is basically impossible for the rich to be right with God. Lukily, that which is impossible for people is not impossible for God. And ultimately, it is God that makes people right and saves them from their sin.
All that is asked of us is the humility to realize we cannot accomplish our salvation on our own. Not with religion, not with importance, and not with riches.
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