This morning, we continue our series on “The Parables of Jesus.” We will seek to glean “Pearls from the Parables.”
Before we get to the parable, let’s look at a scripture we have been looking at all year. This is something I believe the Lord wants us to meditate on.
(Psalm 126:4 TPT)
Now, Lord, do it again! Restore us to our former glory! May streams of your refreshing flow over us until our dry hearts are drenched again.
This is a season of refreshing and restoring for us.
(Luke 18:9-14 ERV)
9 There were some people who thought they were very good and looked down on everyone else. Jesus used this story to teach them:
10 “One time there was a Pharisee and a tax collector. One day they both went to the Temple to pray.
11 The Pharisee stood alone, away from the tax collector. When the Pharisee prayed, he said, ‘O God, I thank you that I am not as bad as other people. I am not like men who steal, cheat, or commit adultery. I thank you that I am better than this tax collector.
12 I fast twice a week, and I give a tenth of everything I get!’
13 “The tax collector stood alone too. But when he prayed, he would not even look up to heaven. He felt very humble before God. He said, ‘O God, have mercy on me. I am a sinner!’
14 I tell you, when this man finished his prayer and went home, he was right with God. But the Pharisee, who felt that he was better than others, was not right with God. People who make themselves important will be made humble. But those who make themselves humble will be made important.”
Remember the context. The Bible says, “There were some people who thought they were very good and looked down on everyone else. Jesus used this story to teach them.” With that in mind, let’s get into the message.
So, what does this mean to you today? A few things.
1. There is no “I” in Grace!
While in heaven, Lucifer said, “I will ascend to the heavens; I will raise my throne above the stars of God; I will sit enthroned on the mount of assembly, on the utmost heights of Mount Zaphon. I will ascend above the tops of the clouds; I will make myself like the Most High.” (Isa 14:13,14). Notice all the “I wills.” As a result, he was kicked out of heaven.
Solomon said, “Pride goes before destruction, a haughty spirit before a fall.” (Prov 16:18).
— Embracing God’s grace means understanding that it’s all about Him, not us. We exist and succeed by His grace alone. This is the essence of our faith — recognizing that every good thing in us and around us is a direct result of God’s grace.
— Satan fell from heaven because he exalted himself. This is exactly what the parable we are dealing with is teaching against. Self-exaltation is a direct path away from God’s grace. Instead, we are called to walk in humility, acknowledging that we are nothing without God.
— Solomon’s wisdom in Proverbs teaches us that pride is a precursor to downfall. I am constantly reminded to keep my heart humble to ensure that pride does not take root and lead me away from God’s path.
— In my journey, I’ve learned that grace is unearned and undeserved. I cannot work for it; I can only receive it with a grateful and humble heart.
— Understanding grace leads to a life of thankfulness. Each day, I strive to live in gratitude, recognizing that everything I have is a gift from God. When you embrace this mindset, it shifts your focus from self to the Giver of all good things (God Himself).
— Our reliance on God’s grace shapes our perspective. Living #TheGraceLife means that you know your achievements and blessings are not a result of your strength or wisdom but purely because of God’s favor and love.
— In moments of temptation to take credit for your successes, remind yourself that it is not by your might or power but by God’s Spirit that you are who you are. Thinking this way will keep you grounded in His grace, far from the pitfalls of pride and self-reliance.
— As we grow in understanding God’s grace, we are inspired to extend the same grace to others. Recognizing how much I’ve been forgiven and blessed, we feel compelled to show love, forgiveness, and grace in interactions with those around us.
2. Humility is the Key to Flowing in God’s Grace.
Solomon said, “Pride leads to disgrace, but with humility comes wisdom.” (Prov 11:2).
Solomon said, “Pride ends in humiliation, while humility brings honor.” (Prov 29:23).
Jesus said, “The greatest among you will be your servant. For those who exalt themselves will be humbled, and those who humble themselves will be exalted.” (Mat 23:11,12).
James said, “But God gives us a greater grace. That is why Scripture says: “God opposes the proud but gives grace to the humble.” (James 4:6).
— Solomon’s wisdom in Proverbs reminds us that humility is directly linked to wisdom. In the parable of the Pharisee and the tax collector, the humble plea of the tax collector aligned him with God’s grace. This teaches us that when we approach God and life with humility, we open ourselves up to His divine wisdom and guidance.
— Reflecting on Proverbs 29:23, we see that humility isn’t just a path to wisdom; it’s also a path to honor. Just as the humble tax collector was honored by God, we understand that when we walk in humility, God lifts us up and honors our obedience to His word.
— Jesus’ teaching that the greatest among us will be servants resonates deeply with the message of the parable. The Pharisee, in his self-exaltation, missed the essence of servanthood. True greatness in the kingdom of God is found in serving others with a humble heart.
— James’ words that God gives grace to the humble should be a cornerstone of our faith. In every situation, whether in prayer, service, or daily interactions, we should strive to embody humility, knowing that this is where God’s grace flows most freely.
— These scriptures collectively reinforce that humility is not just an attitude but a lifestyle that consistently acknowledges God’s supremacy and grace in all things. It’s a conscious choice to decrease so that He may increase in our lives.
3. You Must Remain “LITTLE” in Your Own Eyes.
— What got King Saul in trouble was getting to the point where he was no longer ‘little’ in his own eyes. As a result, he lost his divine appointment. This teaches us the importance of maintaining humility, no matter the heights God blesses you to reach.
— I understand that pride is insidiously dangerous because it often goes unnoticed by others. It’s possible to perform righteous acts but harbor prideful motives. This duality serves as a reminder that God’s blessings to others through my actions don’t necessarily equate to His approval of my heart’s posture.
— When I preach, if I allow pride to seep in, the message might bless others, but God may still need to correct me. It’s a reminder that the effectiveness of my ministry is not just in the message but also in the humility with which I deliver it. This does not just apply to ministry. It applies to every area of our lives.
— I’ve learned that while people may be drawn to external attributes like charisma or charm, God’s focus is on the heart. This underscores the need to prioritize internal spiritual health over external appearances or accolades.
— Staying ‘little’ in my own eyes is a principle I strive to live by, knowing that when I do, God can elevate me in ways far beyond my own capabilities. It’s not about self-deprecation but about a true understanding of where my strength and success originate.
— Keeping myself ‘little’ in my own perspective ensures that I am OPEN to being led to influential places and people, not through my own efforts, but as a result of God’s favor and guidance. And when I get there, I will remain OPEN and sensitive to the Holy Spirit, ready to say and do whatever He leads me to say and do. This is how we live #TheGraceLife.
— The ultimate realization is that by remaining humble, God can exalt us beyond our imagination. This exaltation is not for personal glory but to showcase God’s grace and magnify His name on this planet! In short, there is no limit to what God can do through a person who remains humble and submitted to Him!
Declaration of Faith:
Father, I embrace humility as the path to true greatness in Your kingdom.
I declare my commitment to walking in humility, understanding that it is the key to experiencing Your grace in my life.
I acknowledge that without You, I am nothing, and I choose to remain ‘little’ in my own eyes to be exalted by Your hand.
Father, help me to recognize the subtleties of pride and keep my heart aligned with Your will and purpose.
I commit to living a life of gratitude, recognizing that every blessing and achievement in my life is a result of Your grace and favor.
I trust in Your sovereignty and timing, knowing that as I walk in humility, You will lift me up in honor and wisdom in due season.
I thank You for the assurance that as I humble myself, You will exalt me in ways beyond my understanding for Your glory and honor.
Living with this mindset, I know GREATER IS COMING FOR ME! I declare this by faith. In Jesus’ name, Amen!
This is Today’s Word. Apply it and prosper!
