March 17, 2025
Daily Devotion:
“The Heart of True Humility”
Luke 18:10-14
New Living Translation
10 “Two men went to the Temple to pray. One was a Pharisee, and the other was a despised tax collector. 11 The Pharisee stood by himself and prayed this prayer[a]: ‘I thank you, God,that I am not like other people—cheaters, sinners, adulterers. I’m certainly not like that tax collector! 12 I fast twice a week, and I give you a tenth of my income.’13 “But the tax collector stood at a distance and dared not even lift his eyes to heaven as he prayed. Instead, he beat his chest in sorrow, saying, ‘O God, be merciful to me, for I am a sinner.’ 14 I tell you, thissinner, not the Pharisee, returned home justified before God. For those who exalt themselves will be humbled, and those who humble themselves will be exalted.”
In Luke 18:10-14, we encounter the parable of the Pharisee and the tax collector. The Pharisee prays with pride, recounting his own righteousness, while the tax collector humbly acknowledges his sinfulness, asking for mercy. Jesus concludes, "For all those who exalt themselves will be humbled, and those who humble themselves will be exalted" (Luke 18:14, NIV).
This parable starkly contrasts self-righteousness and genuine humility. The Pharisee represents those who rely on their works and status, believing they are justified beforeGod. In contrast, the tax collector embodies a heart of repentance, recognizing his need for grace. This teaches us that salvation is not earned through our deeds but is a gift from God to those who come before Him in humility.
In our lives, it is crucial to examine our hearts. Are we approaching God with a sense of entitlement or with a humble spirit? The tax collector’s prayer is a model for us, reminding us that true justification comes from recognizing our need for God’s mercy.
Let us pray for hearts that seek humility and depend on God’s grace.
