“Pride goeth before destruction, and an haughty spirit before a fall” (Proverbs 16:18, KJV).

ABSTRACT

Humility opens the heart to God’s mercy, while pride shuts out grace, as shown in the parable of the Pharisee and the Publican, where only the repentant soul finds justification and divine favor.

PHARISEE AND THE PUBLICAN (LUKE 18:9-14)

The parable of the Pharisee and the Publican starkly contrasts self-righteous pride with humble repentance, revealing that justification comes not through boastful deeds but through acknowledging our sinfulness and relying on God’s mercy for exaltation. Christ demonstrates that pride creates barriers to grace, while humility opens the door to transformation and true communion with the divine. Scripture reveals that we must humble ourselves to receive forgiveness, as in “If my people, which are called by my name, shall humble themselves, and pray, and seek my face, and turn from their wicked ways; then will I hear from heaven, and will forgive their sin, and will heal their land” (2 Chronicles 7:14, KJV), and further illustrates that lowliness leads to uplift, as seen in “By humility and the fear of the Lord are riches, and honour, and life” (Proverbs 22:4, KJV). A passage from Patriarchs and Prophets reminds us, “David knew that it would require humility of heart, a constant trust in God, and unceasing watchfulness, to withstand the temptations that would surely beset Solomon in his exalted station; for such prominent characters are a special mark for the shafts of Satan” (Patriarchs and Prophets, pp. 750-751, 1890). Through inspired counsel we are told, “The grace of humility should be cherished in the heart” (Principles for Christian Leaders, p. 74, 2018). This timeless story urges us to reject self-exaltation in favor of dependence on grace, fostering deeper spiritual growth within the community. But what lessons await in the parable’s depths?

WHAT LESSONS AWAIT IN THE PARABLE’S DEPTHS?

This blog post aims to explore the parable of the Pharisee and the Publican (Luke 18:9-14, KJV) and its implications for us today. We will delve into the themes of humility, repentance, and true worship, drawing insights from the Bible and Ellen G. White’s writings, specifically Christ’s Object Lessons. Our goal is to understand how this parable applies to our personal lives, our churches, and the world around us, especially in light of biblical principles. Humility forms the foundation of genuine faith, as pride obstructs our connection to divine mercy. The parable asserts that self-righteousness leads to condemnation, evidenced by the contrasting prayers that highlight dependence on grace over human achievement. Christ calls us to recognize our need for redemption, prompting reflection on how these principles shape our interactions. Revealing their roles clearly, God resisteth the proud but giveth grace to the humble, as stated in “But he giveth more grace. Wherefore he saith, God resisteth the proud, but giveth grace unto the humble” (James 4:6, KJV), and Scripture emphasizes that exaltation follows self-abasement, as in “Humble yourselves in the sight of the Lord, and he shall lift you up” (James 4:10, KJV). The inspired pen notes, “I wish that finite minds could see and sense the great love of the infinite God, His great self-denial, His self-sacrifice, in assuming humanity. God humbled Himself and became man and humbled Himself to die, and not only to die, but to die an ignominious death. Oh, that we might see the need of humility, of walking humbly with God, and guarding ourselves on every point” (The Ellen G. White 1888 Materials, p. 54, 1987). In Faith and Works we read, “The repentant soul realizes that his justification comes because Christ, as his Substitute and Surety, has died for him, is his atonement and righteousness” (Faith and Works, p. 100, 1979). These truths compel us to prioritize spiritual authenticity over superficial piety in our communal journey. But what makes the Pharisee’s prayer fall flat?

WHAT MAKES THE PHARISEE’S PRAYER FALL FLAT?

The parable begins with Jesus telling of two men who went to the temple to pray. The Pharisee, standing proudly, thanked God that he was not like other men – extortioners, unjust, adulterers, or even like the publican standing nearby (Luke 18:11, KJV). He then proceeded to list his righteous deeds: fasting twice a week and tithing all his income (Luke 18:12, KJV). He judged his character, as Christ’s Object Lessons points out, “not by the holy character of God, but by the character of other men. His mind is turned away from God to humanity. This is the secret of his self-satisfaction” (Christ’s Object Lessons, pp. 150, 151). Have we ever fallen into this trap, comparing ourselves to others instead of measuring ourselves against God’s perfect standard? I know I have. I’ve caught myself thinking, “At least I’m not as bad as them.” It’s a chilling realization when you recognize this Pharisaical tendency within yourself. We must constantly examine our hearts to ensure our righteousness isn’t a cheap imitation, a mere comparison game. Pride blinds us to our true state, asserting that self-comparison fosters false contentment rather than godly sorrow. The evidence lies in the Pharisee’s boastful stance, which diverts focus from divine holiness to human flaws, leading to spiritual stagnation. This mindset isolates us from grace, as personal experiences reveal the emptiness of such attitudes. In Proverbs we find that haughtiness precedes downfall, as in “A man’s pride shall bring him low: but honour shall uphold the humble in spirit” (Proverbs 29:23, KJV), and Scripture warns against self-elevation, stating “Be not wise in thine own eyes: fear the Lord, and depart from evil” (Proverbs 3:7, KJV). A prophetic voice once wrote, “Vanity and pride fill the hearts of men. God’s grace alone can work a reformation” (Lift Him Up, p. unknown, 1988). Sr. White further elaborates, “Workers can easily place themselves where divine love and power and wisdom cannot reach them, where they cannot have help in counsel, in difficulties and trials, because they would not understand and rightly appropriate heaven’s rich treasure. They would glorify themselves, and think their own ways perfect, and become established in self-righteousness” (Letter 4, 1890). Embracing humility guards against this deception, promoting authentic self-assessment. But how does the publican’s cry pierce heaven’s ears?

HOW DOES THE PUBLICAN’S CRY PIERCE HEAVEN’S EARS?

In stark contrast to the Pharisee’s self-congratulatory prayer, the publican stood afar off, not even lifting his eyes to heaven, but smiting his breast, cried out, “God be merciful to me a sinner!” (Luke 18:13, KJV). He recognized his unworthiness and threw himself upon God’s mercy. This act of humility is the key to true repentance. The publican acknowledged his sinfulness, not excusing or justifying it. He understood his desperate need for divine grace. This resonates deeply with me. There have been times in my life when I’ve felt utterly broken by my own failings. It’s in those moments of complete surrender that I’ve truly experienced the transformative power of God’s forgiveness. We need to create an environment where such vulnerability is welcomed, where people feel safe to confess their struggles and receive support without judgment. Repentance demands honest self-recognition, asserting that unreserved confession invites mercy. The evidence appears in the publican’s posture and plea, which embody total reliance on God, contrasting excuses with accountability. Such vulnerability fosters healing, as personal brokenness attests to grace’s restorative impact. Scripture affirms that God dwells with the contrite, as in “For thus saith the high and lofty One that inhabiteth eternity, whose name is Holy; I dwell in the high and holy place, with him also that is of a contrite and humble spirit, to revive the spirit of the humble, and to revive the heart of the contrite ones” (Isaiah 57:15, KJV), and emphasizes seeking mercy in lowliness, stating “The sacrifices of God are a broken spirit: a broken and a contrite heart, O God, thou wilt not despise” (Psalm 51:17, KJV) – wait, original has Psalm 51:17, so change to another: “He hath shewed thee, O man, what is good; and what doth the Lord require of thee, but to do justly, and to love mercy, and to walk humbly with thy God?” (Micah 6:8, KJV). In Selected Messages Book 3 we read, “The faith that justifies always produces first true repentance, and then good works, which are the fruit of that faith” (Selected Messages Book 3, p. 195, 1980). Through inspired counsel, “Let the heart-searching God reprove the erring, and let each one bow before Him in humility and contrition, casting aside all self-righteousness and self-importance, confessing and forsaking every sin, and asking God, in the name of the Redeemer, for pardon and forgiveness” (Manuscript 1, 1903). Cultivating this openness strengthens communal bonds through shared grace. But who truly leaves the temple justified?

WHO TRULY LEAVES THE TEMPLE JUSTIFIED?

Jesus concludes the parable by stating that the publican, not the Pharisee, went home justified (Luke 18:14, KJV). The one who humbled himself was exalted, and the one who exalted himself was humbled. This divine reversal underscores the importance of humility in our relationship with God. Pride and self-sufficiency are, as Christ’s Object Lessons states, “the most hopeless, the most incurable” of sins (Christ’s Object Lessons, p. 154). They create a barrier between us and God, preventing Him from working in our lives. I have seen this play out in the church when individuals become so entrenched in their own opinions and positions that they become unteachable. It’s a tragic situation because it hinders both personal and communal spiritual growth. Divine justice favors the lowly, asserting that exaltation rewards self-abasement. The evidence emerges in Jesus’ verdict, where humility secures justification while pride invites abasement, inverting worldly expectations. This reversal warns against rigidity, as observed entrenchment stifles progress. Scripture highlights that God elevates the meek, as in “But the meek shall inherit the earth; and shall delight themselves in the abundance of peace” (Psalm 37:11, KJV), and warns of pride’s consequences, stating “When pride cometh, then cometh shame: but with the lowly is wisdom” (Proverbs 11:2, KJV). Ellen G. White wrote, “Christ’s righteousness is accepted in place of man’s failure, and God receives, pardons, justifies, the repentant, believing soul, treats him as though he were righteous, and loves him as He loves His Son” (Faith and Works, p. 101, 1979). A passage from Testimonies for the Church reminds us, “You will be deceived, deluded, to your eternal ruin unless you arouse and with penitence and deep humiliation return unto the Lord” (Testimonies for the Church, vol. 5, p. 233, 1889). Prioritizing teachability invites God’s active presence. But what defines acceptable worship before God?

WHAT DEFINES ACCEPTABLE WORSHIP BEFORE GOD?

Our worship is acceptable to God when it comes from a heart of humility and contrition (Isaiah 66:2, KJV; Psalm 34:18, KJV; Psalm 51:17, KJV). It’s not about outward displays of religiosity but about an inward transformation that reflects a genuine recognition of our dependence on God. The Laodicean church, described in Revelation 3:17 (KJV), is a chilling example of self-satisfaction and spiritual blindness. They were rich and increased with goods, and had need of nothing; and knew not that they were wretched, and miserable, and poor, and blind, and naked.1 This mirrors the Pharisee’s attitude. How often do we fall into this trap, thinking we have it all together when, in reality, we are spiritually bankrupt? We must allow Christ to work in our hearts. As Revelation 3:18-20 (KJV) counsels, we must allow Him to give us gold tried in the fire, white raiment, and eye salve. This is not about our efforts but about allowing God’s grace to transform us. Genuine worship springs from inner renewal, asserting that heartfelt contrition surpasses ritual. The evidence resides in scriptural calls for broken spirits over shows, with the Laodiceans exemplifying deceptive self-sufficiency. This blindness prompts urgent self-checks, revealing our true poverty without divine intervention. Scripture stresses God’s regard for the humble, as in “Though the Lord be high, yet hath he respect unto the lowly: but the proud he knoweth afar off” (Psalm 138:6, KJV), and affirms deliverance for the afflicted, stating “The Lord is nigh unto all them that call upon him, to all that call upon him in truth” (Psalm 145:18, KJV). The inspired pen observes, “As the believer bows in supplication before God, and in humility and contrition offers his petition from unfeigned lips, keeping his eyes fixed steadily on the Mediator of the new covenant, he loses all thought of self. His mind is filled with the thought of what he must have in order to build up a Christlike character” (Manuscript 1, 1903). Sr. White adds, “It is painful to learn lessons of humility, yet nothing is more beneficial in the end. The pain attendant upon learning lessons of humility is in consequence of our being elated by a false estimate of ourselves, so that we are unable to see our great need” (Lift Him Up, p. unknown, 1988). Yielding to this process yields authentic devotion. But how does grace reshape our proud hearts?

HOW DOES GRACE RESHAPE OUR PROUD HEARTS?

God’s love is manifest in His desire to save us from our pride and self-sufficiency. Christ’s Object Lessons states, “The nearer we come to Jesus, and the more clearly we discern the purity of His character, the more clearly we shall discern the exceeding sinfulness of sin, and the less we shall feel like exalting ourselves” (Christ’s Object Lessons, p. 160). This statement emphasizes that as we draw closer to Jesus, His holiness reveals our sinfulness, leading to humility. This humility is not meant to crush us but to open our hearts to receive His grace. His love is not a passive acceptance of our flaws but an active pursuit of our transformation. It is a love that convicts, corrects, and ultimately redeems. God’s love, like a skilled surgeon’s hand, cuts away the cancerous growth of pride, allowing the healing balm of grace to flow. He desires a relationship with us, not based on our merit, but on His immeasurable love and mercy. Grace actively redeems the self-sufficient, asserting that proximity to Christ exposes sin and fosters lowliness. The evidence unfolds in divine pursuit, where conviction leads to correction and redemption, mirroring surgical precision in removing pride. This process liberates us, affirming love’s transformative intent beyond mere tolerance. Scripture declares that grace abounds amid weakness, as in “My grace is sufficient for thee: for my strength is made perfect in weakness” (2 Corinthians 12:9, KJV), and promises renewal through humility, stating “Cast thy burden upon the Lord, and he shall sustain thee: he shall never suffer the righteous to be moved” (Psalm 55:22, KJV). A prophetic voice declares, “For it is only by the grace of Christ, which we receive through faith, that the character can be transformed” (Selected Messages Book 3, p. 191, 1980). In Principles for Christian Leaders we read, “If they walk day by day in humility and contrition and wholeheartedness, in the strictest integrity doing justice to their fellow men, showing reverence and honor to God by being obedient and true to Him, keeping the living principles of righteousness, God will honor them” (Principles for Christian Leaders, p. 73, 2018). Welcoming this love cultivates enduring bonds. But can humility become our everyday shield?

CAN HUMILITY BECOME OUR EVERYDAY SHIELD?

The words of the Lord, “For whosoever exalteth himself shall be abased; and he that humbleth himself shall be exalted” (Luke 14:11, KJV), should continually resonate in our minds. Humility is not a one-time event but a daily choice. It’s a posture of the heart that recognizes our dependence on God and our need for His grace. As we journey through life, let us remember the parable of the Pharisee and the Publican. Let us choose humility over pride, repentance over self-justification, and true worship over outward show. Let us, as individuals and as a church, reflect the character of Christ, who, though He was God, humbled Himself (Philippians 2:8, KJV). This is the path to true joy, true peace, and true fellowship with God. Daily humility safeguards our spirits, asserting that consistent lowliness yields exaltation. The evidence manifests in Christ’s example of self-emptying, guiding choices toward repentance and authentic reflection. This commitment enriches our paths, as ongoing resonance with divine words attests. Scripture reinforces vigilant lowliness, as in “Let him that thinketh he standeth take heed lest he fall” (1 Corinthians 10:12, KJV), and urges watchful dependence, stating “Trust in the Lord with all thine heart; and lean not unto thine own understanding” (Proverbs 3:5, KJV). Through inspired counsel, “Altogether too little meekness and humility are brought into the work of searching for the truth as for hidden treasures, and if the truth were taught as it is in Jesus, there would be a hundredfold greater power, and it would be a converting power upon human hearts, but everything is so mingled with self that the wisdom from above cannot be imparted” (Letter 37, 1887). Sr. White emphasizes, “The only defense against evil is the indwelling of Christ in the heart through faith in His righteousness. Unless we become vitally connected with God, we can never resist the unhallowed effects of self-love, self-indulgence, and temptation to sin” (Last Day Events, p. 366, 1992). Pursuing this choice unlocks lasting fulfillment.

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SELF-REFLECTION

How can I integrate the lessons of humility and repentance from this parable into my daily devotions, allowing them to refine my character and align my priorities with God’s will?

How can we present the contrast between pride and humility in ways that resonate with both long-time members and newcomers, preserving the depth of the message while making it accessible?

What prevalent misunderstandings about justification and self-righteousness exist in our circles, and how can I address them compassionately with biblical evidence and Sr. White’s insights?

In what concrete steps can we as a community embody the publican’s humility, becoming living examples of grace that draw others toward Christ’s transformative love?