Introduction: How do you pray? Jesus is listening. Do you realize that some people go down as being justified when they pray, according to our Lord, whereas others when they pray are proud and therefore unheard. How do we know that? Jesus gives us this analogy of two men who went to the temple to pray. Here is what He said:

“And he spake this parable unto certain which trusted in themselves that they were righteous, and despised others…
Two men went up into the temple to pray; the one a Pharisee, and the other a publican” (Luke 18:9-10).

1. A Good man needed to lose his GOODNESS in order to be clothed in Jesus’ RIGHTEOUSNESS! (Luke 18:11, 12)

“The Pharisee stood and prayed thus with himself, God, I thank thee, that I am not as other men are, extortioners, unjust, adulterers, or even as this publican. 12I fast twice in the week, I give tithes of all that I possess.”

Did you notice his prayer consisted of telling God how “GOOD” he was compared to other people? Sometimes, unknowingly, we commit the same mistake. Deep down in our heart is PRIDE and SELF-RIGHTEOUSNESS. Secretly we feel a little better than other people; i.e. I read my Bible, go to Church, don’t drink, smoke, or steal… but our Lord searches our heart. Have you been praying self-righteously lately? Time for a CHECK UP!

2. A Bad man humbled himself and was justified with Christ’s RIGHTEOUSNESS! (Luke 18:13)

“And the publican, standing afar off, would not lift up so much as his eyes unto heaven, but smote upon his breast, saying, God be merciful to me a sinner.”

This man saw himself as Jesus saw him….unrighteousness outside of Christ’s righteousness. Yet, that made him a candidate to be clothed in Christ’s righteousness. After conversion, we are made righteous in Jesus Christ. However, even the “BEST of CHRISTians” can develop a Self-righteous attitude. How do you pray? What response would Jesus give toward your prayers and my prayers?

Conclusion: Listen to Jesus Christ’s evaluation of the publican – the second man who prayed. (Luke 18:14)

“I tell you, this man went down to his house justified rather than the other: for every one that exalteth himself shall be abased; and he that humbleth himself shall be exalted.”