Today we explore the meaning of grace as we look at one of Jesus’ parables from Luke 18, the Pharisee and the Tax Collector. It’s a little story and one of the most shocking in the New Testament. God’s grace moves in ways we find mysterious and deeply challenging. But let’s begin by singing his praises: God is working his purpose out:
Now we bring our prayers to God:
The reading this morning is one of Jesus’ parables, one of the most searching stories he ever told. Luke 18:9-14.
9 He also told this parable to some who trusted in themselves that they were righteous, and treated others with contempt: 10 “Two men went up into the temple to pray, one a Pharisee and the other a tax collector. 11 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. 12 I fast twice a week; I give tithes of all that I get.’ 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!’ 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.”
Talk by Glyn – “The great miscalculation”
If the video above doesn’t work for you please use the audio link below:
Let’s sing “Amazing Grace!”
Now our prayers for the church and the world in this mixed-up time.
And to close Charles Wesley’s “And can it be…. ” sheer amazement at the undeserved kindness of God.
As always we say the Blessing for each other:
