Jesus Speaks: The Humble Are Exalted
Jesus visited earth over 2,000 years ago. What He said was recorded by eyewitnesses in the books of Matthew, Mark, Luke, and John in the Bible. This is the story Jesus told about how those who exalt themselves will be humbled, and how those who are humble will be exalted.
Two men went to the Temple to pray. One was a Pharisee, and the other was a despised tax collector. The Pharisee stood by himself and prayed this prayer: “I thank you, God, that I am not like other people—cheaters, sinners, adulterers. I’m certainly not like that tax collector! I fast twice a week, and I give you a tenth of my income.”
But the tax collector stood at a distance and dared not even lift his eyes to heaven as he prayed. Instead, he beat his chest in sorrow, saying, “O God, be merciful to me, for I am a sinner.”[1]Luke 18:10-13 NLT
This tax man, not the other, went home made right with God.[2]Luke 18:14 MSG
Just then Jesus looked up and saw the rich people dropping offerings in the collection plate. Then he saw a poor widow put in two pennies.[3]Luke 21: 1 MSG
“I tell you the truth, this poor widow has given more than all the rest of them. For they have given a tiny part of their surplus, but she, poor as she is, has given everything she has.”[4]Luke 21:3-4 NLT
For those who exalt themselves will be humbled, and those who humble themselves will be exalted.[5]Matthew 23:12 NIV