Show Don't Tell: Luke 18:9-14

Instead of saying "Jesus contrasted self-righteousness and humility," stand in the temple with them. To some who are confident of their own righteousness and look down on everyone else, Jesus tells this parable: "Two men went up to the temple to pray, one a Pharisee and the other a tax collector. The Pharisee stood by himself and prayed: 'God, I thank you that I am not like other people—robbers, evildoers, adulterers—or even like this tax collector. I fast twice a week and give a tenth of all I get.'" His prayer is a résumé. "But the tax collector stood at a distance. He would not even look up to heaven, but beat his breast and said: 'God, have mercy on me, a sinner.'" One word about others, one word about self. Jesus: "I tell you that this man, rather than the other, went home justified before God. For all those who exalt themselves will be humbled, and those who humble themselves will be exalted." The one with the list went home unchanged. The one with the confession went home forgiven.