Daily Devotion for March 20 - Luke 18:9 - 14

Verse

Luke 18:9-14 – “He also told this parable to some who trusted in themselves that they were righteous, and treated others with contempt: ‘Two men went up into the temple to pray, one a Pharisee and the other a tax collector. The Pharisee, standing by himself, prayed thus: “God, I thank You that I am not like other men, extortioners, unjust, adulterers, or even like this tax collector. I fast twice a week; I give tithes of all that I get.” But the tax collector, standing far off, would not even lift up his eyes to heaven, but beat his breast, saying, “God, be merciful to me, a sinner!” I tell you, this man went down to his house justified, rather than the other. For everyone who exalts himself will be humbled, but the one who humbles himself will be exalted.’”

Meditation

True righteousness is not found in self-exaltation but in humble repentance. The Pharisee, blinded by his own perceived holiness, stands before God boasting of his works. He measures himself against others and not against God’s holiness, failing to see his own sin. The tax collector, in contrast, knows he has nothing to offer but a broken heart. He does not compare himself to men but stands before God in need of mercy. And mercy he receives! Justification is not for those who parade their own righteousness but for those who throw themselves upon God’s grace. The Lord exalts the humble and gives grace to the repentant.

Old Testament

Psalm 51:17 – “The sacrifices of God are a broken spirit; a broken and contrite heart, O God, You will not despise.”

Similarly, the tax collector’s prayer in Luke expresses this broken and contrite heart. God’s promise is clear: He does not reject those who come to Him with true repentance. Instead, He welcomes, forgives, and restores them, just as the tax collector went home justified.

Collect

O Lord of mercy, who looks not upon the outward righteousness of men but upon the heart, grant that we may come before You in true humility, confessing our sins and trusting in Your grace, that we may receive the justification that comes not by our works, but through faith in Jesus Christ, who lives and reigns with You and the Holy Spirit, one God, now and forever. Amen.

Hymn Verse

"Chief of sinners though I be,
Jesus shed His blood for me,
Died that I might live on high,
Lives that I might never die.
As the branch is to the vine,
I am His, and He is mine." (LSB 611:1)