The Text: Luke 18:9–14 (The Pharisee and the Tax Collector)
The Concept: This week focuses on our posture before God. The Pharisee came with hands full of his own accomplishments; the Tax Collector came with empty hands, pleading for mercy.
- Contrast two people approaching a gift-giver—one holding a list of reasons why they deserve the gift, and one holding nothing but a need.
- Key Point: Grace cannot be poured into hands that are already full of self-righteousness.
- Transition to Easter: We don’t bring anything to the Cross except the sin that made it necessary.