Humility: The Key to the Kingdom
Humility: The Key to the Kingdom
In addition to the parable of the Pharisee and the tax collector in Luke 18:9-14, the Gospel of Luke includes other parables that remind us that God is not impressed with superficial outward displays of righteousness, but rather accepts those who are truly humbled by the awareness of their sinfulness and need for mercy. Below are three examples of this:
The Two Debtors (Luke 7:41-44). Jesus tells this parable to illustrate that being made right with God is about understanding the depth to which we need to be forgiven. Those who don’t think they need much forgiveness are perhaps attempting to justify themselves to God by their works.
The Great Banquet (Luke 14:16-23). In this parable a great banquet is thrown, yet those who are initially invited do not come for a variety of reasons. In their place, those who would never have been thought of for an invitation are now invited.
The Prodigal Son (Luke 15:11-32). In this famous parable the son who squanders his inheritance but returns humbled is contrasted with the son whose dutifulness causes him to think he is more worthy of his father’s love.
In each of these parables the fundamental principle is the same: those who are truly humbled their by their sin are those who are most ready and able to receive experience God’s love and forgiveness. May we be ones whose humility indicates that we are truly citizens of the kingdom of God.
In addition to the parable of the Pharisee and the tax collector in Luke 18:9-14, the Gospel of Luke includes other parables that remind us that God is not impressed with superficial outward displays of righteousness, but rather accepts those who are truly humbled by the awareness of their sinfulness and need for mercy. Below are three examples of this:
The Two Debtors (Luke 7:41-44). Jesus tells this parable to illustrate that being made right with God is about understanding the depth to which we need to be forgiven. Those who don’t think they need much forgiveness are perhaps attempting to justify themselves to God by their works.
The Great Banquet (Luke 14:16-23). In this parable a great banquet is thrown, yet those who are initially invited do not come for a variety of reasons. In their place, those who would never have been thought of for an invitation are now invited.
The Prodigal Son (Luke 15:11-32). In this famous parable the son who squanders his inheritance but returns humbled is contrasted with the son whose dutifulness causes him to think he is more worthy of his father’s love.
In each of these parables the fundamental principle is the same: those who are truly humbled their by their sin are those who are most ready and able to receive experience God’s love and forgiveness. May we be ones whose humility indicates that we are truly citizens of the kingdom of God.
Recent
Archive
2025
January
February
March
April
May
June
2024
July
Life TogetherBeing Smart with Smart PhonesShould I Forgive an Unrepentant Person?Advent Booklet: Devotions for the Advent SeasonPractical PrayerAdvent | Comfort in SalvationComfort in AfflictionRemember That God RemembersA Theology of Racial ReconciliationA Practice of Racial ReconciliationQualifications of an ElderLook UpChasing EternityChasing Eternity: WisdomThe Season of LentChasing Eternity: WorkChasing Eternity: TimeChasing Eternity: Life and DeathPiano LessonsChasing Eternity: Wise WordsConversations With ChristWhy a Spring Fling?Preparing to ShareLiving the Dream: The Joseph StoryLiving the Dream: CourageLiving the Dream: TestingFaithfulness in Times of PlentyLiving the Dream: Forgotten?Living the Dream: Cultivating FaithfulnessLiving the Dream: GuiltPancake DelightLiving the Dream: ProsperityLiving the Dream: Repurposing SinPsalm 33Discovering Spiritual GiftsAn Animated Tour of PhilippiansChild-like HumilityWho I Am In ChristThe Rat Race RiskPeace Through Scripture Memory20 Traits of Biblical CommunityThreat or OpportunityPlanning for PeopleSexuality and the GospelWhy a Fall FestivalSexuality ResourcesThe Sin of SodomBiblical Sexuality: Further ResourcesWalking Through PainWhy the Old Testament is ImportantGrief and the HolidaysPromises of PeaceChrist our ShepherdMe and MaxThe Patriarch of PeaceFighting for Joy During the HolidaysBible Reading ResourcesPraying with NehemiahDrawing Your Self-PortraitJesus Style CommunityEncouraging EldersA "One Another" LifeLearning from Physical StrugglesParents Being ParentedWhat We Know About End TimesI Love Youth RetreatsDoes God Hear My Prayer?Humility: The Key to the KingdomBlessing OthersHow the Cross Changes UsIntergenerational FriendshipsInternal Battles/External CommunityJericho's Time-Tested LessonChristmas with ZacchaeusResurrection RefugeConnecting Kids and MissionsWhen God Doesn't Feel Present