The Road Less Traveled - a Lent Journey for TeensSample

A Way that Looks Right

Let’s look at the Pharisee. At first glance, it seems like the Pharisee is a good and humble person. He prays, and he is grateful, even if he is grateful that he is not like the people he looks down on. He doesn’t harm people, and he doesn’t steal. He seems like a good man. Jesus’ teaching says there is a better way. The way of the Pharisee might look right, but it is not.

We are invited rather to be like the tax collector. Here, we look at our lives honestly and realize how much we need Jesus’ help every day. We need to recognize the truth of who we are so we can call out to Jesus, like the tax collector, “Jesus help me, have mercy of me.”

Exercise:

Think about your life. In what area of your life do you need Jesus’ help today? Speak to Him about the help you need.

Repetition prayer:

God, have mercy on me. I am a sinner.