New: 13 February 2025
The Power
of Humility
Luke 18:9-14
... for everyone who exalts himself will be humbled, but he who humbles himself will be exalted.
Luke 18:14b NASB
Pride vs Humility
This brilliant parable (Luke 18:9-14) illustrates the difference between pride and humility. The contrast and effects couldn't be greater. Everything stands or falls with it. Here's the story, and again: few words, much said.
To men went to the Temple to pray (v 10a), one a religious man, the other a sinner. As we shall see, the former was proud, the latter humble. The religio-cultural context was that Jews went to the Temple to 'get right with God.' That means, it was a place of sacrifice to atone for sins and become righteous before God. They knew that they all struggled with or against a sinful, fallen nature, and despite wanting to do the right thing, something, even the best of them, did wrong. A 'tax collector' at that time, it must be explained to avoid misunderstandings, is not to be understood as a civil servant working legally for the Tax Revenue Agency. Tax fraud and corruption are, of course, criminal activities, but the term 'tax collector' 2,000 years ago was a person working for the occupying force (Rome), collecting taxes from their fellow countrymen (Jews). They were rich and despised as traitors to the nation. While most of the nation suffered under taxation against their will and religion, these guys had an easy life. Was there forgiveness for such people?
As far as atonement at the Temple is concerned, there was the annual Day of Atonement (Leviticus 16), where the High Priest would enter the Holy of Holies and offer a sacrifice for the sins of the nation. All Israelites had to fast and humble themselves for the sacrifice to be effective to forgive sins and for them to get right with God. And then there was the opportunity to offer sacrifices throughout the year to atone for sin. The principle was that an innocent, blameless animal was sacrificed for the sins of human beings. The death of Jesus on the cross is to be understood this way: the innocent and just One died for the guilty ones in order to bring them back to God (1 Peter 3:18), that is, to make them righteous before God. But this parable pre-dates the atoning sacrifice of Christ, the Lamb of God, who took the sins of the world on Himself (John 1:29). Its force is to illustrate the power of humility—with tremendous consequences.
Justified because of Humility
One of the two men was a religious man. He was part of a religious group that was devoted to keeping God's Law in all aspects of life. However, some of them 'trusted in themselves that they were righteous' (Luke 18:9a), hence, somehow because of their religious duties at the neglect of a right attitude, and, worse, they 'viewed others with contempt' (v 9b). In other words, they looked down on others they considered less religious or sinful. There appears to have been a religious pride in them that led them to despise others. This is not the heart of God. The words of the religious man expose his heart, for from the abundance of the heart the mouth speaks (Matthew 12:34). Proverbs instructs us to guard our hearts for from it flow all issues of life (Proverbs 4:23).
Here are the words that show religious pride in contempt of others: 'God, I thank You that I am not like other people: swindlers, unjust, adulterers, or even like this tax collector' (Luke 18:11). He starts with how much he despises others for their sin and that in the place of atonement, the Temple, where sinners are supposed to find mercy if they confess in humility (cf., Proverbs 28:13). He somehow seems to think that the Temple is a place to put others down and show off one's religious performance. He continues: 'I fast twice a week; I pay tithes of all that I get' (Luke 18:12). It is good to tithe and fast, yet bargaining about it is out of place. Not his deeds, but his attitude, expose his pride.
Jesus then illustrates the rather different attitude and approach the sinner had. His body language expressed his heart; his prayer was short: 'God, be merciful to me, the sinner!' (Luke 18:13). The contrast couldn't be greater. God is a merciful God who delights in a restored relationship with sinful people who strayed from the right path. Jesus emphasised that aspect of God's character—even when it offended the religious elite! And the conclusion to this parable would certainly have offended some.
'I tell you, this man [sinner] went to his house justified rather than the other [religious]' (Luke 18:14a)
The difference between the two was their attitude, the difference between pride and humility. It appears that the sinner was justified (made righteous) because of his humility. The religious man had his share of 'honour' before men, yet didn't receive approval from God. Pride is the cardinal sin, the root cause of all evil. Jesus explains that those who humble themselves will be exalted, in this case it mean justification by the forgiveness of sin, but those who exalt themselves will be humbled, bright low (v 14b). This explanation, the reason for the point of the parable, shows the power of humility—even for the worst of sinners! God is merciful to those who confess their sin; the Almighty gives grace to the humble.
But He gives a greater grace.
Therefore it says,
'God is opposed to the proud,
but gives grace to the humble.'
James 4:6 NASB
God gives Grace to the Humble
When Jesus showed mercy to the outcast (Luke 19:1-10) or gave grace to sinners (Mathew 9:9-12), He simply expressed the heart, nature and will of God (v 13). The parable illustrated that further, and showed the beauty of a genuine prayer from a humble heart. God gives grace to the humble but opposes the proud (Proverbs 3:34). It's a principle seen throughout Scripture. Both James and Peter quote this verse and emphasise this spiritual principle. Where there is no humility, there is no grace, and without grace nothing good can happen.
James argues for the importance of being single-minded about God; no spiritual adultery by flirting with the world is acceptable (James 4:4). God is jealous over His people and won't share loyalty with other gods or things (v 5). To be humble, in order to receive grace (v 6), is to submit to God (v 7a). Humility is not weakness, but an expression of trusting God by relying on Him and not ourselves. This is vital when dealing with spiritual forces too powerful for human strength. Only by humbling ourselves and receiving God's grace can we resist the devil (v 7b). Drawing near to God is another expression of humility that will bring us closer to God and God closer to us (v 8). Humbling ourselves, deeply and heartfelt, with external signs if need be (v 9), is the way to humble ourselves and be exalted by the Almighty (v 10). No matter where we are or what has happened, we can turn to God in humility and gain strength through grace to handle life victoriously. The way up is the way down; to humble ourselves is the way to get grace. Humility is also the right basis to treat others: non-judgmental (vv 11-12); as well as not to be boastful about life with our own plans, but rather seeking God's will in all things (vv 13-15). All boastful arrogance is evil and leads to tragedy; doing the right thing is what matters (vv 16-17).
Peter also quotes Proverbs 3:34; he does so in the context of healthy and honourable relationships within the community of faith (1 Peter 5:5). Young men are protected from pride by humility (v 5a), but all of God's children—young and old—must show humility towards one another (v 5b), the very humility of Christ (vv 1-4). As we humble ourselves were trust God to exalt us as and when He sees fit (v 6). Within the church, we are not to seek vain glory or worldly promotions. God is the Lord and Jesus is the Head of the Church.
Another aspect about humility Peter is pointing to, is God's provision by His grace. We can cast our anxieties and burdens on Him by humbling ourselves, knowing that He cares for us (v 7). Being humble means to rely on God and trust Him. If we don't, we'll have to carry our burdens and deal with our fears alone. And, like James did, Peter also relates humility before with the power to resist the devil (vv 8-9). When God is on your side, you have nothing to fear! Even if there is temporary suffering, God will carry us through as 'the God of all grace' (v 10). In humility, we give glory to the One who has all dominion forever and ever (v 11).
The power of humility is in that we rely on God to justify us when we fail and strengthen us when we face challenges. He is faithful and will make all grace abound to those who walk humbly with their God (2Corinthians 9:8; Micah 6:8).