Mercy, Not Righteousness: Jesus' Call to True Religion
Pastor Caleb Clark
October 20, 2024
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Main Topics Discussed
Introduction: Setting the Stage
Series Recap: Jesus, Lord of All
Jesus as Lord over all things: not just individuals, but society, culture, and creation.
Previous topics covered in the series:
Lord over money
Lord over politics
Lord over greatness
Lord over justice
Tonight’s focus: Jesus, Lord over religion.
Cultural Relevance of Religion
In today’s society, religion is a renewed topic of conversation.
Just as in Jesus’ time, religion was a topic of prominence, especially among the Pharisees.
Passage Overview (Luke 18:9-14)
The story of the Pharisee and the tax collector.
Two contrasting prayers that reveal Jesus’ vision for true religion.
The Prayer of the Pharisee
Jesus’ Intended Audience
Directed at those who trusted in themselves for righteousness and treated others with contempt (v. 9).
The Pharisees represented the most religious people in Jesus' society.
Content of the Pharisee’s Prayer (vv. 11-12)
Thanking God for personal righteousness:
"God, I thank you that I am not like other men—extortioners, unjust, adulterers, or even like this tax collector."
Starts with a bold address to God, showing confidence in his standing.
Focus on self-achievements:
Lists personal religious accomplishments: fasting twice a week, giving tithes.
Reflects an attitude of self-sufficiency and pride.
The Pharisee’s View of Religion
Centered around personal performance and self-righteousness.
Emphasis on outward acts of devotion to secure a place before God.
Reliance on moral superiority over others.
The Problem with Pharisee’s Religion
Approach based on external deeds leads to contempt for others.
Religion as a means of self-exaltation rather than humility before God.
The Prayer of the Tax Collector
The Social Status of Tax Collectors
Hated by society, seen as traitors and sinners.
Represented the lowest rung in the religious hierarchy.
Content of the Tax Collector’s Prayer (v. 13)
Posture of Humility:
Stands far off, not daring to lift his eyes to heaven.
Beats his breast in a sign of deep repentance and desperation.
Cry for Mercy:
"God, be merciful to me, a sinner."
Acknowledges his sin and unworthiness before God.
The Tax Collector’s View of Religion
Religion begins with an understanding of personal brokenness.
No reliance on personal righteousness—only hope is in God’s mercy.
Trembles before God, recognizing the vast chasm between his sin and God’s holiness.
Jesus’ Vision for True Religion (v. 14)
Radical Reversal
"I tell you, this man went down to his house justified rather than the other."
Jesus turns religious expectations upside down—justification comes through humility, not self-exaltation.
The Meaning of Justification
Justification means being made right with God, not based on works but by mercy.
The Pharisee, despite his religious acts, is not justified; the humble tax collector is.
True Religion Defined
True religion is not about self-righteousness but about recognizing our need for God’s mercy.
The humble are exalted, and the proud are brought low.
Comparison to World Religions
Most religions teach that people must earn their way to God through good deeds.
Christianity, however, teaches that we are saved by grace through faith, not by our works.
God's mercy comes down to us, rather than us reaching up to Him.
Avoid a Moralistic Gospel
Moralism cannot save you.
Lay down the idea that being good or religious can make you right with God.
Embrace the gospel of grace: salvation comes through mercy, not through deeds.
Tremble Before God
A call to humility.
Recognize your need for God’s mercy.
If you don’t know Jesus, see yourself as you really are—created in God’s image but separated from Him by sin.
Rejoice in God’s Mercy
For believers:
Remember the moment you fell at the feet of Jesus, asking for mercy.
Rejoice not in your own righteousness, but in God’s mercy and the justification He has given you.
Closing Prayer
Prayer of Thanksgiving
Asking God to make us more like the tax collector—humble and dependent on His mercy.
Praising God for His mercy and grace in making us right with Him.
Biblical References
Luke 18:9
"He also told this parable to some who trusted in themselves that they were righteous, and treated others with contempt."
Luke 18:10
"Two men went up into the temple to pray, one a Pharisee and the other a tax collector."
Luke 18:11-12
"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.'"
Luke 18:13
"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.'"
Luke 18:14
"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."
Reflection Questions
How do you relate to the Pharisee and the tax collector in their prayers?
Reflect on whether you have ever found yourself approaching God with a sense of self-righteousness, like the Pharisee, or with humility, like the tax collector. How does this affect your prayer life?What actions or attitudes in your life make you feel justified before God?
Consider whether you are relying on your good deeds, religious practices, or moral accomplishments for your standing with God, rather than on His mercy and grace.How does Jesus’ teaching on humility challenge your view of religion?
Think about how the idea of humility and reliance on God's mercy, rather than on your own efforts, reshapes your understanding of a true relationship with God.In what ways might pride be affecting your relationships with others?
The Pharisee showed contempt for others because of his perceived moral superiority. Reflect on any tendencies in your own life where pride has caused you to look down on others or feel superior.How does knowing that God’s love is based on His mercy, not your merit, change your response to Him?
Consider how this truth impacts your worship, obedience, and daily life. How does it bring freedom or shift the way you view yourself and your need for God’s grace?
Daily Activities
Prayer like the tax collector
Activity
Set aside time this week to pray in a quiet, humble space, focusing on your need for God’s mercy.Application
During this prayer time, confess your shortcomings and ask for God’s mercy, letting go of any sense of pride or self-righteousness. Approach God with humility, recognizing His grace is what sustains you.Thankfulness for God’s mercy
Activity
Keep a daily journal of moments where you experienced or witnessed God’s mercy.Application
Each day, write one to two sentences about how you’ve encountered God’s grace and mercy, focusing on what He has done for you rather than your own actions or accomplishments.Anonymous act of service
Activity
This week, engage in a random act of kindness or service without telling anyone about it.Application
Through this anonymous act, focus on how it feels to give without recognition. Reflect on how this mirrors the humility Christ teaches, putting others first without seeking reward or acknowledgment.Self-examination for pride
Activity
Set aside 10 minutes each day to reflect on moments of pride or judgmental thoughts throughout your day.Application
In your reflection, ask God to reveal areas where you’ve been self-righteous or judgmental. Pray for a heart of humility and a spirit that sees others with grace and compassion, just as God sees you.Reflection on Jesus' vision for religion
Activity
Write a one-page reflection on how Jesus’ teachings on humility and grace have impacted your understanding of religion.Application
Focus on how this teaching shifts your view from works-based faith to grace-based living. Share this reflection with someone close to you or in a small group, encouraging others to seek the heart of God’s grace.
