By the end of the 17th century, many Lutheran churches celebrated a festival commemorating Martin Luther’s posting of the Ninety-five Theses, a summary of abuses in the church of his time. At the heart of the reform movement was the gospel, the good news that it is by grace through faith that we are justified and set free.
In Luke 18:9-14,two men, a tax collector and a Pharisee, went up to the temple to pray.
The tax collector stands away and prays that God will be merciful to him as a sinner.
The Pharisee prayed to God reminding Him of how the law was being followed.
Which man went to his home justified in God’s eyes?
Jesus, in this parable, showed how all who exalt themselves will be humbled but all who humble themselves will be exalted.
Pastor Beth pointed out that being righteous is never enough because we can always do more.
We can never do enough.
All of us who look to God are justified by God’s love for us.
His love sets us free to be loved children of God.