The Prayer of the Contrite Heart

Scripture Reading: Luke 18:9-14 (ESV)

“He also told this parable to some who trusted in themselves that they were righteous and treated others with contempt: ‘Two men went up into the temple to pray, one a Pharisee and the other a tax collector. The Pharisee, standing by himself, prayed thus: “God, I thank you that I am not like other men, extortioners, unjust, adulterers, or even like this tax collector. I fast twice a week; I give tithes of all that I get.” 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.’”

How interesting that Christ tells this story to his followers as he is on his way to Jerusalem. He is headed to the center of Worship of every Israelite. This parable is both a moral lesson and a warning. As we gather in spirit, individually, or in a place of worship, we listen with wounded ears—seasoned by a world in upheaval, gripped by social division, political uncertainty, and a pervasive sense of self-reliance—it is indeed fitting that our Lord Jesus has given us a piercing word concerning the posture of our hearts before God.

As my grandfather would say, “Let us ruminate a minute” on these two men in the temple: the Pharisee and the tax collector. Notice, first, to whom Jesus addresses this parable: “To some who trusted in themselves that they were righteous.” How often have you encountered someone like that? Be honest, how often have you been someone like that? The Pharisee is not simply a caricature but a warning, a living example of how subtle self-righteousness can be. He stands confidently, self-justified by his religious duties, his fasting, his tithing, and, most dangerously, his proud comparison to others whom he regards as lesser. He thanks God, but his prayer is filled with pride. He finds satisfaction in his own work, comparing it to others instead of giving God the glory.

Now observe the tax collector. First, we should define why the tax collector is hated. In biblical times, tax collectors were shunned and regarded as sinners primarily because they aided the Roman oppressors and often exploited the people through dishonest practices, keeping extra money for themselves. In short, they stole a lot, and they aided those who subjugated the Israelites. Think back to the story of Zacchaeus in Luke 19:1-10, which illustrates this. Jesus noticed Zacchaeus, a chief tax collector, and chose to stay at his house, despite public grumbling that Jesus would associate with such a notorious sinner.

Moved by Jesus’ acceptance, Zacchaeus repented, declaring to Jesus, “Look, half of my possessions, Lord, I will give to the poor, and if I have defrauded anyone of anything, I will pay back four times as much.” (Luke 19:8, NRSVue). This gesture was significant because he was wealthy, and his commitment to restitution demonstrated true repentance. That’s a substantial amount of restitution considering how much Zacchaeus had taken from people through tax collecting. As a wealthy man, he chose to donate half of his riches to the poor, and with the remaining half, he committed to reimbursing anyone he had cheated at a rate of $4 for every $1 taken.

So, hated by society, aware of his own sinfulness, the tax collector in our story today stands far off. He is not oblivious to the impact of his actions; he is overwhelmed by the weight of his sins. We know this because he is unable even to lift up his eyes, crying out simply, “God, be merciful to me, a sinner.” This is a plea for grace. This is the universal heart cry of all who know their own unworthiness. The tax collector relies wholly upon God’s mercy. Here we see a posture that is the very opposite of self-sufficiency: true contrition and humility before the Lord.

Ultimately, it is the tax collector who goes home justified. Jesus declares this so that we might understand that justification is not earned but received. As the Reformers taught, we are justified by faith alone, because of Christ alone, through grace alone. God graciously accepts sinners, not because of any merit in us, but because of the perfect obedience and sacrifice Jesus Christ made on the cross.

When you pray, come to God, not trusting in yourself, but casting yourself upon Christ’s mercy. Do not compare what you have or what you do, or your car, house, shoe size, or IQ with your neighbor. Do not compare yourself to others, but confess that you are a sinner in need of grace. Seek comfort and joy in the gospel truth: everyone who humbles themselves will be exalted, for God exalts the lowly through Christ.

This parable is a mirror to us all—those who frequent the church pew, familiar with gospel truth, and those who may be guests for the first time, new to the community, or even hesitant in faith. Jesus is calling us, first and foremost, to examine what we trust in as we approach the throne of grace.

There is no denial that the temptation is strong to trust in ourselves—to trust in our own morality, our social standing, our intellect, or even our involvement in religious institutions—as if that were the currency of acceptance with God. Yet Christ warns us that the proud Pharisee was not justified before God, but the tax collector, in his humility and sincere confession, was justified.

Know this: you are welcomed by the grace of God, not because you have anything to bring, but because you humbly bring your need. The good news of the gospel is this: God justifies the ungodly. There cannot be any hypocrisy when you come to the cross; there is no need to put on a mask of piety. What God delights in hearing is the prayer of a contrite heart, that truthfully humble plea for mercy.

In the news around us, we see leaders who walk proudly in their strength, societies that boast in their own wisdom, and individuals who seek status and recognition. Yet Jesus reminds us that true exaltation comes not by lifting ourselves up, but by acknowledging our place as sinners dependent entirely on God's mercy.

Let us then approach God honestly. Let us not come comparing ourselves with others, nor counting our outward acts as grounds for favor. Let us, like the tax collector, “beat our breast,” acknowledging our sin, our unworthiness, and cast ourselves wholly on the grace of Christ, for it is He alone who justifies.

If you are here today feeling far from God, weighed down by guilt, or uncertain how to pray, hear the Son of God calling you into His presence, inviting you to pray with transparency and humility. The welcome is open; the grace is sufficient. Bow your heads with me now…

Let us pray: 

“Merciful Father, grant us the grace to see ourselves not as the Pharisee did, trusting in our own righteousness, but as the tax collector did, truly humbled and pleading for mercy. Help us to approach You with the honesty of brokenness and the faithfulness to trust in Christ’s atoning sacrifice alone. Exalt those whom You humble, and humble those who exalt themselves. Make us ever mindful that our salvation is solely Your gracious gift. In Jesus’ name, Amen.”

May God grant us truthfulness in prayer and humility in heart, as we continue throughout this coming week to reflect on our own humility or lack thereof.

In the name of the Father, Son, and Holy Spirit. AMEN.

Bibliography

Calvin, J. (1960). Calvin: Institutes of the Christian Religion (Vol. I). (J. T. McNeill, Ed., & F. L. Battles, Trans.) Philadephia: The Westminster Press.

Meeks, W. A., Bassler, P. J., Lemke, T. W., Mays, P. J., Niditch, P. S., & Schuller, P. E. (Eds.). (1993). The Harper Collins Study Bible, New Revised Standard Version with the Apocryphal and Deuterocanonical Books. New York, New York, USA: Harper Collins Publishers.

NRSV Updated Edition Holy Bible. (2021). Holy Bible With Deuterocanonical/Apocryphal Books of the Old Testament., Updated Edition. Washington, D.C., USA: Zondervan.