Like a Child

On the surface, it looked as if there were two people doing the same thing. Men going to pray in the Temple. But scratch under the surface and you find two very different men doing two very different things. They left the Temple with two very different results.

Jesus can see right into the hearts of these two men in the Temple.

The first one is busy comparing himself with other people. The NET bible suggests that verse 11 might mean that he prayed about himself, suggesting that he prayed out loud, for all to hear. His prayer "is really a review of his moral résumé, directed both at advertising his own righteousness and exposing the perversion of the tax collector." He has a checklist of things that will please God. Check, check, check. That's the end of his prayer. He's hoping other people are watching and can hear him. He comes out of the Temple the same as he went in.

The second one meets God and, in his presence, sees himself for who he is. No need to compare himself with others. No thought of his own self-esteem. "Lord, have mercy on me, a sinner." He comes out of the Temple forgiven and transformed.

The CEV translates verse 20: “When the two men went home, it was the tax collector and not the Pharisee who was pleasing to God. If you put yourself above others, you will be put down. But if you humble yourself, you will be honored.”

How about your prayer life? What does it reveal about you?

Respond in Prayer

Lord, have mercy on us. You know the motivation of our minds. Nothing is hidden from you. Teach us to honour you in our everyday deeds and actions so that the glory is yours alone. In your holy name, we pray. Amen.

Mags Storey

Unless otherwise indicated, all Scripture quotations are taken from the Holy Bible, New International Version® (NIV®).