Lesson of the publican and the Pharisee.
On this occasion, Jesus closes this famous parable of the Pharisee and the Publican and leaves us with a super powerful lesson: God isn't focused on appearances, much less on beautiful words; God is focused on the humble heart.
The Pharisee felt very superior and proud of all his religious acts. But so was the Republican who worked as a tax collector and had long been despised by his people. He wasn't even willing to lift his head and only said, "God, have mercy on me, for I am a sinner." And he was the one who returned justified.
Here, the Lord Jesus Christ gives us a lesson in true humility. It has nothing to do with walking around in scruffy clothing or with our heads bowed all the time. It involves constantly recognizing that we need God and that we are not perfect, but we can trust in God's grace and sufficiency. We have great value before God, and it's not because we are more than others, nor because of our image. We gain value when we humble ourselves sincerely and wholeheartedly before God.
The Lord Jesus Christ leaves us a great lesson: the path to high life begins by bowing our heads before God, recognizing our weaknesses but our strength and total dependence on God. Whoever humbles himself will be exalted, and we are not speaking on behalf of men but on behalf of God Himself.
I tell you, this man went down to his house justified rather than the other. For everyone who exalts himself will be humbled, and he who humbles himself will be exalted.
Luke 18:14