Are you good at something? Perhaps you can draw or dance like no other. Maybe you are good at math or writing. Or possibly you’re the one that is not very skilled?

What happens when a person excels? A common mark is what you might call a “big head”. We all know people like this. They exude a confidence that makes everyone else feel inadequate. No one will admit to this feature, but many will reckon, “I am pretty good at that…”

In Jesus’ day, there was a group of people with “big heads” about religion. They were religious all stars who considered their piety the best in town. They let it all hang out. They walked around in fancy robes, long beards, and recited lengthy prayers (mostly about their good works). Luke says that they were,

confident of their own righteousness and looked down on everybody else (Luke 18:9 NIV)

In this week’s parable, Jesus detonates assumptions about religious all stars. While the leaders in the story thought they had the championship game locked up, Jesus portrays an underdog taking the title. He concludes his story:

“For everyone who exalts himself will be humbled, and he who humbles himself will be exalted.” (Luke 18:14 NIV)

Join us on Sunday as we explore this astonishing story of two men’s prayers. It may surprise you.