Luke 18:9-17  Jesus tells a second parable about prayer.  The first one emphasized how necessary it is for us to be persistent in prayer for we have a God who will hear and provide for those who continue in faith.  This one teaches about the attitude of prayer. 

The two men who go up to the temple are opposites in every way. The first is a Pharisee. The second is a tax-gatherer.  One would be considered "righteous" because of his position, his outward behavior, and his own testimony... "The Pharisee stood and was praying thus to himself, 'God, I thank Thee that I am not like other people; swindlers, unjust, adulterers, or even like this tax-gatherer. I fast twice a week; I pay tithes of all that I get' "    He never acknowledged his sins, his failures, or his need for God's grace. 

The tax-gatherer was automatically judged to be evil. They all thought that the tax-gatherers were crooked, corrupt, and unclean because of their job.  This man, however, was "unwilling to lift up his eyes to heaven, but was beating his breast, saying, 'God, be merciful to me, the sinner!' "  All he asked for was mercy. With every word he confessed his unrighteousness and his need for a Savior.

Jesus says that it is the tax-gatherer who left the temple "justified".  The Pharisee was not repentant and  remained unforgiven.  The one who trusted in himself, thinking he was righteous was far from it.  The one who was held in contempt, despised by the Pharisee.. is the one who is made truly righteous by the Lord.  

Jesus says, as He had said before, "everyone who exalts himself shall be humbled, but he who humbles himself shall be exalted." 

Luke gives us another glimpse of this truth in the next few verses.  The people were bringing their babies to Jesus "so that He might touch them".  The disciples tried to stop them, but Jesus "called for them".  He said "Permit the children to come to Me, and do not hinder them, for the kingdom of God belongs to such as these. Truly I say to you whoever does not receive the kingdom of God like a child shall not enter it at all." 

The Message says it this way, " Mark this: Unless you accept God's kingdom in the simplicity of a child you'll never get in." 

 With simple faith, a  humble heart, and an honest confession of sin.. we come to the only One who has mercy to give, grace to bestow, forgiveness to offer and love to complete it all so that we can receive His Kingdom.  Hallelujah, what a Savior!

Father in heaven, we exalt Your Holy Name and we praise the Son of righteousness!  Hold us in Your Hands today we pray. How we need You every hour! Thank You for showing us mercy and forgiving our sins, for making us whole and clothing us in the righteousness of Jesus our Lord. Amen.