{"id":10779,"date":"2025-10-23T08:40:21","date_gmt":"2025-10-23T13:40:21","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/blogs.elca.org\/faithlens\/?p=10779"},"modified":"2025-10-22T22:04:34","modified_gmt":"2025-10-23T03:04:34","slug":"october-26-2025-approaching-god-who-is-worthy","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/blogs.elca.org\/faithlens\/october-26-2025-approaching-god-who-is-worthy\/","title":{"rendered":"October 26, 2025 – Approaching God: Who is Worthy"},"content":{"rendered":"

Prepare<\/strong><\/h4>\n

In Jesus\u2019 day, the Jewish people lived under Roman rule. Even though Jews were allowed to worship Jehovah, the true God, life under an occupying empire often brought tension and resentment. Some Jews worked for the Roman administration, collecting taxes or overseeing trade. These tax collectors, often seen as collaborators who took more than what was due, were widely disliked and regarded by many as sinners or outsiders within their own community.<\/p>\n

At the other end of the spectrum were the Pharisees \u2013 Jewish leaders who devoted themselves on obeying not only the ten commandments, but also many ceremonial and purity laws that shaped daily life and worship. Over time, they developed detailed traditions intending to help ordinary people live out the Law in everyday circumstances. Some Pharisees came to be seen, or even saw themselves, as models of religious devotion and moral discipline. Yet in the eyes of many, their strict observance could sometimes appear as pride or self-righteousness, especially toward those who didn\u2019t share their way of life or who worked for Rome.<\/p>\n

By contrast, Jesus was popular among ordinary citizens \u2013 the workers (remember, Jesus was a carpenter), the poor, the handicapped, and, yes, even the tax collectors. This raised questions and tension with some of the religious leaders of his day, including the Pharisees. Yet, the more Jesus taught, the more people listened to and followed him \u2013 but not everyone.<\/p>\n

The parable, a brief story that teaches a lesson, is meant to show the listeners the proper way to approach God in prayer and worship: humbly, sincerely, acknowledging our sinfulness and weakness before the all-powerful Creator, and certain that God is listening. In response, we are grateful that God forgives and answers us.<\/p>\n

\nOpening Exercise<\/h4>\n

Think about someone who is always bragging about themselves: their possessions, their intelligence, their accomplishments, and so on. What is your inner reaction when you hear a person talk this way? If you wanted to encourage that person toward more humility, what would you say or do?<\/p>\n

\nText Read Aloud<\/strong><\/h4>\n

Luke 18:9-14<\/a><\/p>\n

\nApproaching God \u2013 Who Is Worthy?<\/strong><\/h4>\n

The theme of today\u2019s Gospel lesson, humility, is not a popular subject. Admitting that no matter how popular we are, how many talents we have, how much praise we think we deserve, God is not impressed. The Almighty Creator does not need us. We deserve nothing from God. And yet, God loves us. Jesus taught that we are completely dependent on God\u2019s love for salvation, forgiveness of sin, and eternal life \u2013 and all this God freely gives.<\/p>\n

But some of God\u2019s followers in Jesus\u2019 day struggled to understand that message. Many believed that being part of God\u2019s chosen people automatically made them favored above others. Some took pride in their ancestry and faithfulness, assuming their obedience set them apart from \u201csinners\u201d like Gentiles or even less observant Jews. Among these were Pharisees, devout leaders and teachers who sincerely sought to honor God through careful obedience to the Law. However, at times they mistook outward righteousness for the humility God truly desires.<\/p>\n

So, Jesus taught this lesson for all his followers. One of Jesus\u2019 most effective ways of teaching his followers was to tell them a parable: a brief story that uses an everyday situation to illustrate an important principle. The story is simple, but the meaning is profound.<\/p>\n

Everyone in Jesus\u2019 audience knew who the Pharisees were. They occupied the top rung of the social and religious ladder among the Jews. Some probably envied the power, knowledge, and wealth these leaders possessed. But Jesus knew the truth. Many Pharisees believed their position and influence were signs of Jehovah\u2019s blessing, rewards for their careful obedience to the Law. It was easy for some to take pride in that devotion, assuming their faithfulness made them more deserving of God\u2019s favor than others. Yet, in the parable Jesus reveals a different reality than what some believed. It is the humble person, the one who acknowledges humans are sinful and undeserving, whom God forgives. And yet, in bountiful love, God not only forgives our sins, but also grants us talents and abilities to use for God\u2019s glory and the well-being of all. These are gifts, not wages.<\/p>\n

So, Jesus told the story. We do not know how the Pharisees reacted. In similar situations some religious leaders reacted with frustration or anger to Jesus\u2019 message\u2014especially when it challenged their authority or understanding of God\u2019s law. In time, that same resistance and fear among those in power would lead to Jesus\u2019 death and to opposition against his followers. But the truth of the parable still applies \u2013 our attitude as we approach God in worship and prayer should be one of humility, recognizing God\u2019s greatness, and gratitude that God loves us enough to accept our worship, forgive our sins, and answer our prayers.<\/p>\n

\nReflection Questions<\/h4>\n