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A Pharisee
9Jesus told a story to some people who thought they were better than others and who looked down on everyone else:
10Two men went into the temple to pray. One was a Pharisee and the other a tax collector. 11The Pharisee stood over by himself and prayed, “God, I thank you that I am not greedy, dishonest, and unfaithful in marriage like other people. And I am really glad that I am not like that tax collector over there. 12I go without eating for two days a week, and I give you one tenth of all I earn.”
13 The tax collector stood off at a distance and did not think he was good enough even to look up toward heaven. He was so sorry for what he had done that he pounded his chest and prayed, “God, have pity on me! I am such a sinner.”
14 Then Jesus said, “When the two men went home, it was the tax collector and not the Pharisee who was pleasing to God. If you put yourself above others, you will be put down. But if you humble yourself, you will be honored.”
Jesus Blesses Little Children
(Matthew 19.13-15; Mark 10.13-16)
15Some people brought their little children for Jesus to bless. But when his disciples saw them doing this, they told the people to stop bothering him. 16So Jesus called the children over to him and said, “Let the children come to me! Don't try to stop them. People who are like these children belong to God's kingdom. 17You will never get into God's kingdom unless you enter it like a child!”
Reflect
Michael “Bull” Roberts, a 6’4” 400 lb former drug lord and enforcer met God on the floor of a seedy motel. He had fought against God for years but finally, after retaliation from his own gang and a brush with death, Michael knew his time had come. The excruciating, searing pain in both his body and soul forced him to cry out to God.
“Show me one inch of love, God,” Michael begged as he lay in his own tears and filth. With a childhood filled with abuse and rejection, Michael had never had anyone tell him he was worthy; that he was loved. Michael felt an indescribable warmth as God spoke to his broken, raging heart that day. Eventually he found an old Bible in the motel and started fumbling through passages.
Like Jesus’ description of how we need to enter the kingdom (”…You will never get into God’s kingdom unless you enter it like a child!”v 17), Michael humbled himself; asked for God’s mercy and displayed true repentance and remorse for what he had done with his life.
Later, as Michael sought healing, he encountered some amazing people; sadly, he also encountered one do-gooder who seemed more interested in Michael’s sensational and sordid life than the broken man behind the story. This person wanted to look good in front of his church but had forgotten Christ’s directive in verse 14, to not put himself above others. God was deaf to this man’s words. Ultimately, he was ineffective in helping Michael.
When our prayers and actions bring glory to self rather than to God, we need to check our motives. Do we help others because it makes us look good? Or do we do the work of God with a humble heart?
Respond
Precious Jesus, You know the humility within our hearts and the motivation of our minds. Nothing is hidden from you. Teach us to honour you in our everyday deeds and actions so that the glory is yours alone. In your holy name we pray. Amen.
Glynis Belec
Glynis is an award winning writer and children’s author and cannot imagine a world without little people to inspire and bless her. She was a private tutor for almost twenty years and enjoyed collecting story-fodder from her super students. Glynis has been writing professionally for over 30 years and writes devotions, short stories, blog posts. She is a regular magazine columnist and has a weekly program on Hopestream Radio. She rejoices daily and is constantly reminded about God’s amazing grace and His unconditional love. Publications include Upper Room, Rural Route, FellowScript, Highlights, Children’s Ministry, Shining Star and other children’s magazines. Glynis also has had stories published in the Hot Apple Cider books and also in the Chicken Soup for the Soul series.