“How Are We Justified?” Sermon on the Parable of the Pharisee & the Tax Collector from Luke 18:9-14

Jesus contrasts the pharisee and his pride with the tax collector and his humility. The pharisee considers those around him and prays a prayer of pride and contempt. The tax collector considers God and prays a prayer full of humility and a plea for mercy. Jesus says that the tax collector went home justified and explains the upside down message of the Bible: That humility before God and men during this life will earn God’s reward in glory with him in the next life.