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The Institute of Lutheran theology not only provides programs to train pastors and teachers, but it also provides educational and devotional resources for individuals and congregations. These resources are provided free of charge and made available through our web page. Please subscribe to and use any of these resources.

The Institute of Lutheran theology not only provides programs to train pastors and teachers, but it also provides educational and devotional resources for individuals and congregations. These resources are provided free of charge and made available through our web page. Please subscribe to and use any of these resources.

Eleventh Sunday After Trinity, August 11, 2024

Eleventh Sunday After Trinity, August 11, 2024

The stated audience for the hearing of this parable are those “who trust in themselves” (vs. 9). Because Jesus names the example of such people as a Pharisee, our minds leap (not incorrectly) to thinking of Pharisees as those who have contempt for others. The parable, however, works in two directions. The common direction looks to the Pharisee as the one with contempt for others, particularly that tax collector confessing to be a sinner (vs. 13). The uncommon direction looks at the tax collector trusting in his own humility and looking with contempt upon the obviously self-righteous Pharisee. Neither the self-righteousness of prideful works nor the self-righteousness of an insincere humility has any standing in the court of heaven. Whether it’s pride in works or pride in humility, both result in contempt for others. The theme verse may resemble a traditional moralism but its words in the mouth of Jesus deliver us into “faith alone” territory. Works don’t guarantee justification. Humility doesn’t guarantee justification. Only the Word of God wielded by the Holy Spirit who holds us in faith guarantees our justification… our salvation (Eph. 1:13-14).

Prayers from one who has been stripped of all prides’ venues, even the venue of humility…

Heavenly Father, your Son Jesus Christ is the one true object of faith. Grant that I am so held in the faith of Jesus Christ that I look not at the works of my hands… not at the affections of my heart… not at the thoughts of my head… but only to Christ… only to your Word… as the one thing I trust. For Jesus’ sake. Amen

Heavenly Father, your Son Jesus Christ is the one true object of faith. Grant that, as I am stripped of every sign until only the sign of Jonah remains, I receive the freedom of the Son and am free indeed. For Jesus’ sake. Amen

Heavenly Father, your Son Jesus Christ is the one true object of faith. As I am free in Christ, grant me to use my freedom—not for self-indulgence—but for indulging the needs of my neighbors. For Jesus’ sake. Amen

Heavenly Father, your Son Jesus Christ is the one true object of faith. Grant that the Institute of Lutheran Theology make the preaching of Christ, him crucified and him alone the unshakeable center of its teaching. For Jesus’ sake. Amen

Heavenly Father, your Son Jesus Christ is the one true object of faith. During these days of my baptism, as I am brought to daily repentance, let me live by faith alone so that I do not walk by sight as I wait for the coming of my Lord in glory. For Jesus’ sake. Amen