Compare Luke 18:13 with Psalm 51:17. What similarities exist in their messages? Text in View • Luke 18:13: “But the tax collector stood at a distance. He would not even lift up his eyes to heaven, but beat his breast and said, ‘God, be merciful to me, a sinner!’” • Psalm 51:17: “The sacrifices of God are a broken spirit; a broken and contrite heart, O God, You will not despise.” Shared Heart Posture • Humility before God – Tax collector “stood at a distance … would not even lift up his eyes.” – Psalmist comes with a “broken spirit.” • Honest confession of sin – “Be merciful to me, a sinner.” – “Broken and contrite heart” admits guilt. • Dependence on God’s mercy, not personal merit – No appeal to works or pedigree—only divine compassion. – David offers no temple sacrifice here, only a surrendered heart. What God Welcomes • God “will not despise” the contrite (Psalm 51:17). • Jesus declares the tax collector “justified” (Luke 18:14). • Isaiah 57:15; 66:2—God dwells with “the one who is contrite and lowly.” • James 4:6; 1 Peter 5:5—“God opposes the proud but gives grace to the humble.” Contrast with Empty Religion • Luke 18 contrasts proud Pharisee’s self-righteous prayer. • Psalm 51 follows David’s confession after grave sin, stressing that ritual alone cannot cover guilt (see Psalm 51:16). • Both texts show God values inward reality over outward show (Micah 6:6-8; Matthew 15:8-9). Take-Home Truths • True worship begins with a heart shattered by sin yet hopeful in grace. • God grants full justification to any who abandon self-confidence and cast themselves on His mercy (Romans 3:23-24; 1 John 1:9). • The “acceptable sacrifice” under both Old and New Covenants is the same: humility, repentance, and faith in God’s steadfast love. |
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