Pentecost_20C_Sermon.pdf

of the Sermon**

This sermon explores Jesus’ parable of the Pharisee and the tax collector in Luke 18:9-14, challenging our assumptions about righteousness and humility. The Pharisee, though outwardly devout and obedient, trusts in his own actions and compares himself to others, while the tax collector, aware of his deep need, simply pleads for God’s mercy. The message warns against the subtle trap of self-righteousness—even in our attempts to be humble—and emphasizes that true justification before God comes not from our own efforts, but from a desperate dependence on God’s grace. The sermon also connects this spiritual truth to the life of the church, reminding us that transformation—both personal and communal—requires openness to change and a willingness to let God reshape us, rather than clinging to our own accomplishments or preferences.

**K

Key Takeaways

• 1. **Righteousness Rooted in Self vs. Righteousness Rooted in God:** The Pharisee’s prayer is filled with “I,” focusing on his own achievements and comparing himself to others. This self-reliance, even when it is factually accurate, misses the heart of God. True righteousness is not about what we do, but about recognizing our need for God’s mercy and allowing Him to be the center of our story.
• 2. The Trap of Comparison and Division: The parable warns us that whenever we divide people into “in” and “out,” or judge who is righteous and who is not, we risk falling into the same trap as the Pharisee. Even our attempts to distance ourselves from self-righteousness can become a new form of pride. God’s mercy is not limited by our categories; it is available to all who recognize their need.
• 3. Prayer as Transformation, Not Transaction: The tax collector’s prayer did not change God, but it changed him. Prayer is not about convincing God to act on our behalf, but about opening ourselves to be transformed—becoming people with humble, grateful hearts who care more about loving God and others than about being recognized for our good works.
• 4. Openness to Change as a Mark of Discipleship: Following Jesus means embracing change, both in our personal lives and in our church community. Clinging to the familiar or to our own preferences can keep us from experiencing the transformation God desires for us. True discipleship is marked by a willingness to let God reshape us, trusting that His grace is sufficient for whatever lies ahead.
• 5. Justification Comes from Mercy, Not Merit: At the end of the parable, it is the tax collector—not the outwardly righteous Pharisee—who goes home justified. This is a reminder that our standing before God is not earned by our religious performance, but is a gift received by those who humbly acknowledge their need for mercy. When we focus on God’s grace rather than our own accomplishments, we open ourselves to the joy and freedom of true transformation.

1. In the parable, what are the main differences between the Pharisee’s prayer and the tax collector’s prayer?
2. According to the passage, what is the outcome for each man after they leave the temple?
3. How does Jesus describe the attitude of the Pharisee toward others in his prayer?
4. What physical posture and words does the tax collector use when he prays, and what might that show about his heart?

1. Why does Jesus say that the tax collector, and not the Pharisee, goes home justified before God? What does this teach about how God views righteousness?
2. The Pharisee’s prayer focuses on his own actions and compares himself to others. What are the dangers of this kind of comparison in our spiritual lives?
3. The sermon mentions that even our attempts to be humble can become a new form of pride. How might this happen in a church or in our personal faith?
4. The tax collector’s prayer is short and desperate, simply asking for mercy. What does this reveal about the kind of heart God desires in prayer?

1. The Pharisee was confident in his religious practices and compared himself to others. Are there areas in your life where you find yourself measuring your worth or faith by comparing yourself to others? How does this affect your relationship with God and with people around you?
2. The sermon warns about the “trap of self-righteousness”—even in our attempts to be humble. Can you think of a time when you felt proud of your humility or spiritual maturity? How can we guard against this subtle form of pride?
3. The tax collector’s prayer was a simple cry for mercy. When was the last time you honestly admitted your need for God’s grace? What keeps you from praying this way more often?
4. The message says that prayer is meant to transform us, not just to get things from God. In what ways do you hope God will change your heart or attitudes through prayer this week?
5. The sermon connects openness to change with true discipleship. Is there a change—either personal or in our church—that you feel God might be inviting you to embrace? What fears or hesitations do you have about this change?
6. The Pharisee clung to his own accomplishments, while the tax collector depended on God’s mercy. What are some “accomplishments” or preferences you might be holding onto that could be getting in the way of God’s work in your life?
7. The parable ends with the tax collector being justified by God’s mercy, not by merit. How can focusing on God’s grace (instead of your own performance) bring more joy and freedom into your faith journey this week?