Luke 18 Devotional

Right with God by Mercy

“But the tax collector stood at a distance, unwilling even to lift up his eyes to heaven. Instead, he beat his breast and said, ‘God, have mercy on me, a sinner!’”Luke 18:13 (BSB)

Jesus tells this story to people who trust in their own righteousness and look down on everyone else (18:9). Two men go up to the temple to pray. The Pharisee thanks God he is not like other people and lists his fasting and tithing (18:11-12). The tax collector stands at a distance, beats his chest, and begs God for mercy, calling himself a sinner (18:13). Jesus says it is the tax collector who goes home justified, declared right with God (18:14).

The Pharisee's prayer is really a report on himself. The tax collector brings nothing but his need, and God receives him. The chapter presses the point. Jesus welcomes babies and says the kingdom is received like a child (18:15-17). When a wealthy ruler grows sad at Jesus' call, Jesus tells those listening that God can do what people cannot (18:23-27). Being made right with God is his work from beginning to end. You can come to him today with nothing in your hands but a plea for mercy.

To think about: What do you tend to bring before God as proof that you deserve his acceptance, and what would it mean to come with only a request for mercy?