The one who humbles himself will be exalted.

Luke 18:9-14, He also told this parable to some who trusted in themselves that they were righteous, and treated others with contempt: “Two men went up into the temple to pray, one a Pharisee and the other a tax collector. 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.’ 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!’ 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.”

There are far too many people today who proclaim their own worthiness. Before a holy God, “all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God.” He does not demand that we somehow make ourselves worthy, that we clean up our act before coming to him. He only bids us “Come to me, all who labor and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest.” He has done for us what we could never do: he has satisfied the wrath of God towards sin on the cross. Someone said that we are beggars sharing bread with other beggars. “He saved us, not because of works done by us in righteousness, but according to his own mercy.” Give thanks!

We thank you for your great mercy towards us as we receive your great mercy towards us in Christ Jesus!

ESV Lectionary