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.” (Luke 18:13-14 ESV)
As Jesus speaks, we get the idea that this is more than an parable - almost as if it is an eye witness account. Jesus, the Son of God, had been in the position to watch peoples' actions and know their hearts. The actions here reveal the two different hearts - one of self-righteousness, one of humility. God is watching and listening as we pray. That is good news - He hears and He cares. And that can be bad news, as He evaluates the intentions of our hearts - to compare, to make excuses, to praise ourselves instead of humbly bow before Him, His will, and His mercy.
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