I tell you, this one, rather than the other, went down justified to his house. For the one who exalts himself will be humbled, but he who humbles himself will be exalted.
Luke 18:14
Jesus says this sinner was justified. This is quite significant in that Jesus is upholding humility and repentance as the proper response to the law of God, versus the hubris of the self-righteous Pharisee.
Jesus does this elsewhere in the gospels. His meaning is not to minimize sin, but to explain the importance of our proper relationship to Almighty God. This man was aware of his guilt before God. The Pharisee on the other hand thought that God’s law had confirmed that he was better than others around him. The Pharisee compared himself to his fellow humans. The tax man compared himself to God’s Holy standard.
Heavenly Father, above all else your name is to be praised! You are, forever, good, just, holy, pure, and faithful. What more can we do but thank you and praise you for all of our lives? To be able to say that you are our God is so wonderful. We love you! In the name of the Lord Jesus Christ I pray and praise you, Amen.