Good morning. Jesus told this parable to some people who trusted in themselves that they
were righteous, and viewed others with contempt: two men went up to the temple to pray, one
a Pharisee and the other a tax collector. The Pharisee stood and was praying this to himself
[He definitely was not praying to God ): ] God, I thank you that I am not like other people;
swindlers, unjust, adulterers, or even like this tax collector. I fast twice a week; I pay tithes of all
I get. His righteousness consisted of all the religious things that he did for God. This kind of
person defines righteousness in such a way that he or she definitely excels in those acts versus
those around him or her. But that tax collector, standing some distance away, was even
unwilling to lift up his eyes to heaven, but was beating his breast, saying, God be merciful to
me the sinner. All of our righteousness is as filthy rags. I tell you, this man went to his house
justified rather than the other; for everyone who exalts himself will be humbled, but he who
humbles himself will be exhausted - I mean exalted. It’s all about attitude. Jesus tells the 12
that they are going up to Jerusalem and all the bad things that will happen to Him. I believe this
is where in John chapter 11 in Bethany beyond the Jordan they came to tell Jesus that Lazarus
was sick. We will continue with that thought tomorrow. Father thank You that the reader’s
righteousness exceeds that of the Pharisee. That is because his/her righteousness comes from
You. Happy July the Fourth! 

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