October 26, 2025
You can find the order of worship and songs here.
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Luke 18:9–14 is a very well-known parable. And if we were there when Jesus told this parable, we would not have heard v. 9, Luke's "Cliff Notes" of the parable. Jesus would not have prefaced his parable with: "Listen, now, I am speaking to you who trust in yourselves that you are righteous, and treat others with contempt". Instead, they would have simply heard about a very devoted Pharisee praying eloquently, and a crooked tax collector mumbling something to himself. And by the time Jesus was done with this parable, everyone would have formed a definitive opinion about these two men and their prayers. "That Pharisee there is a good man. Listen to how he prays! He is so on point and tight with God!" "That tax collector, though, why does he even bother? Doesn't he know that God is holy? How dare a sinner like that thinks God is going to hear his prayers?"
And then they would have been absolutely flabbergasted at Jesus' conclusion: v.14 "I tell you, this man (the tax collector) went down to his house justified, rather than the other (the Pharisee)." The Pharisee was a respected spiritual leader. He lived an upright and moral life. He "was not like other men, extortioners, unjust, adulterers, or even like this tax collector." The tax collector was a traitor who served the Roman government. The Pharisee was a patriot. He was deeply religious. He fasted "twice a week." The OT commands fasting once a year on the Day of Atonement. 2 X 52 = 104. This Pharisee literally fasted 100 times more than was required. And he gave "tithes of all that I get". The OT commanded tithes of certain crops. But the Pharisees gave tithes from every thing, including garden herbs. This man went above and beyond what was required. No one could doubt his devotion. He was a credit to the Jewish nation. They all knew it. He knew it. That is why his prayers are so confident: "God, I thank you…that I am so wonderful!" His prayers are all about himself. He stops just short of congratulating God for having such a wonderful disciple.
In the mean time the tax collector was praying "standing far off" away from other worshipers. No doubt he knew he didn't belong, and everyone made sure he knew that he didn't belong there. And while the Pharisee confidently looked up to heaven and prayed, he could not. His head was bowed in shame. He beat his chest because he couldn't get the words out. He could only say "God, be merciful to me, a sinner!" The Pharisee saw himself as the cream of the crop. This tax collector sees himself as "a sinner". But the Greek is literally "the sinner". Sin is what is most notable about him. And he knows what he deserves: "have mercy" is literally "remove your wrath from me." He knows "the sinner" deserves wrath. But, to everyone's utter amazement, God justified the tax collector, not the Pharisee. This parable makes us question if we understand God's kingdom at all!
We often stumble and fall. The guilt and shame can be paralyzing. But then we remember Jesus' words: "For everyone who exalts himself will be humbled, but the one who humbles himself will be exalted." We are never so far from God as when we think we deserve to be tight with God. But when we are struck with how unworthy we are, when we confess our utter poverty, that is the attitude and prayer that delight God. God draws near such people with grace and mercy. Don't let your eyes be cast down. Look up and not down. And see the Father's smile in Jesus' face.
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Growth Resources
This year: Please see the full list of 2025 books as well as Bible reading plans on our church webpage.
In October we are reading "The Bondage of the Will" by Martin Luther. We also encourage you to watch a helpful introduction to the book by Robert Godfrey and Stephen Nichols.
This week: We are reflecting upon Shorter Catechism Qs. 49–52.
Everyday: Noted pastor and theologian Sinclair Ferguson posts a short reflection every day, each around 5 minutes long. "Things Unseen" cover various aspects of the Christian life, worship, and theological topics in a very accessible and edifying way. We encourage you to incorporate this into your daily life. Please see this page for more information. There you will find links to various podcast platforms as well as YouTube page.
Upcoming Events and Notices
October 26 (Lord's Day): Please join us for Reformation Day celebration and fellowship after the worship service at the Suchoski home.
October 29 (Wednesday 7 PM): The Survey of the Pentateuch continues with highlights from the book of Deuteronomy. Meeting ID: 884 9003 6844. Passcode: 5sUpUi.
Thank you for your continued support of Grace Fallbrook (PCA). Your loving support makes the proclamation of the gospel and the building up of the saints possible. Please visit gracefallbrook.church/give and click on "Give Online Now." You will be directed to the PCA Foundation where you can give towards Grace Fallbrook (PCA).