Primary Scripture: Luke 18:9-14
9 To some who were confident of their own righteousness and looked down on everyone else, Jesus told this parable: 10 “Two men went up to the temple to pray, one a Pharisee and the other a tax collector. 11 The Pharisee stood by himself and prayed: ‘God, I thank you that I am not like other people—robbers, evildoers, adulterers—or even like this tax collector. 12 I fast twice a week and give a tenth of all I get.’

13 “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.’

14 “I tell you that this man, rather than the other, went home justified before God. For all those who exalt themselves will be humbled, and those who humble themselves will be exalted.”

Free-Form Sermon Notes

Sermon Notes: Parables from the Underside

Overview

• Context of the Parable: Jesus tells a story about two people who go to pray. One is a respected Pharisee, the other a despised tax collector.
• Lesson: God values humility and authenticity over spiritual performance.

Two Men, Two Prayers

• The Pharisee: Praises himself, compares himself to others, and trusts his own “good deeds.” Confident of personal righteousness, which leads to looking down on others.
• The Tax Collector: Admits his sin, begs for mercy, knows he needs God’s help.
  Shows genuine humility and dependence on God.

God’s Response

• Surprise: The tax collector (not the Pharisee) goes home “justified”—made right in God’s eyes.

Why?

• God wants our hearts, not our résumé.
• Genuine humility opens the door to God’s grace.

Key Fill-Ins

Authenticity brings

• Being honest with God and others sets us free.
• Acting like we have it all together wears us out.

Grace grows

• When we accept grace, we become more caring toward others.
• Focusing on our own need for God reduces looking down on others.

Dependence on God isn’t

• Trusting God is wise, not shameful.
• We all need God’s strength daily.

Reflection Questions

1. Which attitude do you relate to more right now—the Pharisee’s (self-reliant) or the tax collector’s (humble and honest)?
2. Where might you be tempted to compare yourself to others—in faith, work, or family life?
3. What stops you from being more authentic? Are you afraid of judgment, failure, or letting go of control?

Next Steps

1. Practice Honest Prayer: This week, spend a few moments each day simply telling God where you feel weak or need mercy—no excuses, just honesty.
2. Extend Compassion: Instead of comparing, look for at least one person you can encourage or support in a practical way.
3. Lean on God: Whether it’s a decision at work, a conflict at home, or a struggle in faith, actively invite God’s guidance. Remind yourself, “Dependence on God isn’t weakness; it’s wisdom.”

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Closing Thought

Just like the tax collector, we can come to God with empty hands—no performance or pretense—and receive His mercy. That’s the beauty of God’s kingdom: those who admit their need discover His grace.