The Road Less Traveled - a Lent Journey for TeensSample

The way of humility

Today we look at a parable and a Beatitude of Jesus. The parable of the Pharisee and the tax collector will guide us on a journey to choose a life of humility for this next week. In this parable, Jesus shows us two ways to resolve a problem we experience. What is the problem? Everyone wants to be ‘okay.’ We want to be respected and recognized. We long to be seen by others. We don’t want to be on the outside looking in. This is something we all long for. Don’t you?

Let’s look at the two paths Jesus is referring to. The way of the Pharisee. He wants the approval of those around him. He wants to be seen and recognized. The Pharisee prays, but his prayer is focused more on himself than on God. He is full of pride and thinks he is better than others.

The second way is the way of the tax collector, the man the Pharisee looked down on. The tax collector knows there is nothing he can do to be ‘okay.’ Instead of praying like the Pharisee, the tax collector prays a very humbling prayer – ‘God, have mercy on me, a sinner.’ His prayer is not about himself; it’s about God. He realizes only God can help him. He chooses the way of humility.

Jesus’ words in Matt 5:5 say, “God blesses those who are humble, for they will inherit the whole earth.” During this next week, we will explore these two ways of living to grow in the way of humility.

Exercise:

Write a prayer to Jesus today, and read it to Him.