09.27.2026 - Responding to God's Generosity - Pastor Chris

Self reliant-Christianity is a dangerous thing. If we think we can do enough, be just perfect enough, to earn our way into Heaven, then we have negated our need for Jesus. Whether it is the confession and forgiveness or communion, these are moments when we admit our limitations, share our mistakes and shortcomings, and admit our need for Jesus. What I appreciate about our worship is when we confess or approach the altar for communion, everyone (or nearly everyone) participates. There isn’t some announcement for those who may have “back-slid” over the past week, followed by an invitation to approach the front of the worship space to “recommit” their life to Christ. We all admit that we have fallen short, that we are not perfect, and we respond with a united declaration that we need Jesus. 

What’s wrong with the Pharisee? It sounds like he’s very devout in his faith practice. I mean he even tithes! His faith community must really love him! The hang up is his motivation for why he practices his faith. He believes his religious practice makes him better than others. He doesn't do these things in response to who God is, he does them for himself. 

The tax collector, the one despised by his community, is deeply honest about his situation. He confesses his condition and he asks (begs) for mercy. A true and honest confession is a powerful thing. We may struggle to make such a confession, worried how others may views us when we relay our struggles, but in his honesty he asks for mercy from the only one who can free him.

A big part of Lutheran theology is “Law and Gospel.” The law reveals universal condemnation for all of God’s people. As Paul writes in Romans, “No one is righteous. All have fallen short.” We like to compare, I’m certainly not as bad as them… But when it comes to our need for grace, Gospel, the need is also universal. It’s not as if one needs a little Gospel while another needs more, we all need the freedom promised in the Good News of God’s love for creation. Instead of comparing, may we celebrate that forgiveness always follows confession. May we be as honest as the tax collector and admit our need for Jesus. Jesus will never disappoint.