Christ Jesus is Our Righteousness
To some who were confident of their own righteousness and looked down on everybody else, Jesus told this parable: “Two men went up to the temple to pray, one a Pharisee and the other a tax collector. The Pharisee stood up and prayed about himself: ‘God, I thank you that I am not like other men – robbers, evildoers, adulterers – or even like this tax collector. I fast twice a week and give a tenth of all I get.’
“But the tax collector stood at a distance. He would not even look up to heaven, but beat his breast and said, ‘God, have mercy on me, a sinner.’
“I tell you that this man, rather than the other, went home justified before God. For everyone who exalts himself will be humbled, and he who humbles himself will be exalted.” Luke 18:9-14
The age-old struggle with self righteousness is illustrated in Jesus’ parable. Contrasting points-of-view are portrayed by the two men who went to the temple to pray. The Pharisee had knowledge about God, but lacked the wisdom to understand truth. He is able to eloquently list his accomplishments (i.e., fasting and giving and the absence of certain sinful behavior). He foolishly believes in his own righteousness, since he isn’t as bad as the “sinful” men beneath him. Unfortunately, pride will be his downfall (Proverbs 18:12).
The second man, a lowly tax collector, lacked the confidence to draw near to the Lord’s presence. He knows he needs God’s mercy, as he could never justify a righteousness that is earned. This man, because of his humility, is the one God blesses. This “sinner” displays the power of God to save believers. “For in the gospel a righteousness from God is revealed, a righteousness that is by faith” (Romans 1:17). The spiritual reality is, “All have sinned and fall short of the glory of God” (Romans 3:23). The sacrifice of Jesus satisfied God’s requirement for justice. It is only through faith in Jesus’ blood that we are cleansed. Do you want to be exalted? Humble yourself. Christ Jesus is our righteousness.
Prayer
Dear Lord, have mercy on me, a sinner. I trust your faithfulness to cleanse me and exalt me. Righteousness is only through you. In the name of Christ Jesus, Amen.
Carl Smith
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