Based on Luke 18:9-14

Jesus told this story to some who had great confidence in their own right relationship with God and scorned everyone else. He said, “Two men went to the place of worship to pray. One was a religious leader, and the other was a corrupt tax collector whom everyone hated. The religious leader stood by himself and prayed this prayer: ‘Thank you, God, that I don’t disobey you like everyone else…I don’t cheat, I don’t break the law, and I don’t commit adultery. I’m not at all like that tax collector! I fast twice a week, and I give you a tenth of my income — even more than you have required!’ But the tax collector stood at a distance and didn’t even dare to lift his eyes to heavan as he prayed.

Instead, he beat his chest in sorrow and said, ‘Oh God, show me kindness/mercy/grace, because I am a sinner.’ I tell you, this sinner, not the righteous leader, went home with a good relationship with God — because God will humble people who try to reach a high position, and he’ll raise up people who place themselves in a low position.