Teaching recently, I mentioned that just as mercy rejoices over judgment, so does
mercy over merit. The parable of the publican and the tax collector as told by Jesus help
to clarify this. In Jesus’ days, tax collectors were looked upon with contempt because
they were seen as an extension of Rome’s oppressive rule. They not only helped the
Roman powers to rip off the people, but they also line their own pockets as well. So they
get rich at the expense of the people and were hated for it. One of them went to the
temple to pray alongside a Pharisee. The Pharisee beat his chest, parading all his good
works. He compared himself with the tax collector. However, the tax collector simply
asked for mercy, admitting that he was a sinner.
“Never forget that the things you did which count as merit were also made possible by the grace of God in the first place.”
The Bible says he went away justified rather than the Pharisee, and the reason is stated
right there in the next verse. “I tell you, this man went down to his house
justified rather than the other; for everyone who exalts himself will be humbled, and he
who humbles himself will be exalted” (Luke 18:14, NKJV). This simply tells us the
attitude that God will honour in the hall of prayer – sincere humility. What the Pharisee
did was showcase his merit, forgetting that no man can satisfy God’s demands. It is by
grace so there is no occasion for boasting. If you have to use any good deed for
intercession, it has to be with modesty and humility. Never forget that the things you did
which count as merit were also made possible by the grace of God in the first place.