Luke 18:9-14, New International Reader's Version

The Story of the Pharisee and the Tax Collector

9 Jesus told a story to some people who were sure they were right with God. They looked down on everyone else. 10 He said to them, “Two men went up to the temple to pray. One was a Pharisee. The other was a tax collector. 11 The Pharisee stood by himself and prayed. ‘God, I thank you that I am not like other people,’ he said. ‘I am not like robbers or those who do other evil things. I am not like those who commit adultery. I am not even like this tax collector. 12 I fast twice a week. And I give a tenth of all I get.’

13 “But the tax collector stood farther away than the Pharisee. He would not even look up to heaven. He brought his hand to his heart and prayed. He said, ‘God, have mercy on me. I am a sinner.’

14 “I tell you, the tax collector went home accepted by God. But not the Pharisee. All those who lift themselves up will be made humble. And those who make themselves humble will be lifted up.”

“Be” phrase of the day:

Be humble.

Objects:

Two hats — one very fancy (sparkly, dressy, or decorated) and one plain baseball cap.

Message:

Good morning! By now we’ve learned three “Be’s”! Let’s say them together. Do you remember the movements for each?

Believe (hold hand over heart). Trust Jesus even when your faith feels small.
Be thankful (praying hands). Always say “thank you” for God’s blessings.
Be patient (point to the watch on your wrist). Keep trusting God while you wait.

And today, our fourth and final “Be” is… Be humble!

Let’s say it together, but each time you hear the phrase, “Be humble,” simply bow your head like this (demonstrate bowing your head).

In our Bible passage this morning, Jesus tells a story about two men who went to the Temple to pray. One man was dressed nicely and prayed loudly. This man was always telling God how great he was. The second man prayed quietly and said, “God, have mercy on me. I need you.” Do you know what mercy is? (Allow children to answer). Mercy is more kindness and forgiveness than people deserve. The second man prayed to God and was humble about it. Being humble means not thinking you're better than others. Being humble means showing respect to someone. Jesus said the second man was the one who pleased God, because that man prayed with a humble heart.

(Hold up the two hats. Put on the fancy hat, speak in an exaggerated “braggy” tone.) Look at me! I’m the best! I am the best at this. I am also the best at that. I always do everything right! (Switch to the plain hat, bow head, and speak softly.) God, I know I make mistakes. Please help me. Please help me to not be like “fancy hat,” bragging about how great I am. God, I am so thankful for you being with me with every step that I take in my life.

Ask the children, “Which prayer do you think made God happy?” (Allow children to respond.) That’s right; the quiet, honest one. Being humble (head bowed) means we know we need God, and we don’t try to show off.

Why do you think God likes it when we are humble? (Allow children to answer.) That’s right! When we’re humble, we make room for God to work in our lives. We remember that God’s love, not our bragging, is what makes us special.

Let’s practice being humble. Everyone, bow your head low to show humility. Now lift your hands to God to show that God is the greatest! When we pray this way, we’re saying, “God, you are in charge, and I need you.”

We not only need God, but we believe God’s grace comes to all people, not because we’ve worked hard to earn it, but because God loves us. Being humble (heads bowed) means we receive God’s grace with thankful hearts and treat others with kindness, not pride.

This is the fourth and final time that I will ask you, what’s our fourth “Be”? (Allow children to answer, “Be Humble!”) Absolutely! Be humble (heads bowed) when you pray. Be humble (heads bowed] when you win a game. And always, be humble (heads bowed) by giving God the glory.

Before we pray, let’s remind one another of the four “Be’s” that we learned about this month in worship. (At the end of the final week, do a full-body recap with hand motions.) Can anyone help me?

Believe (hand over heart). Trust Jesus.
Be thankful (praying hands). Thank God for blessings.
Be patient (point at the watch on your wrist). Keep trusting God while you wait.
Be humble (bow head). Remember, you need God.

Prayer:

Dear God, You are great, and I need you every day. Help me to be humble (head bowed) and kind in my words and actions. Amen.

Between the Sundays: Family Conversation Starters

We have added conversation starters to each children’s message series to help spark conversations within families during the week. We encourage families to use these questions to guide them through conversations and subject matter discussed during the worship service, including the children’s messages on Sundays. These conversations will reinforce learning and nurture faith formation for the entire family.

Be Humble (Luke 18:9-14)

What does it mean to “be humble”?
Why did Jesus like the prayer of the man who didn’t brag? Can you think of a time when your bragging got you in trouble?
As a family, come up with a way to remember to give God the credit for your talents and blessings. Maybe you can create a movement each time you praise God for your blessings.
When is it hard not to brag? Has there been a time this week when you felt like bragging but didn’t? Tell other family members about what happened.
Together as a family, watch the VeggieTales video, “The Humble Song.” Discuss how you can be like Junior, Madame Blueberry, and the others by being more humble. Before our heart can stumble, let's try to be more humble.

Family Activity:

Play a short game or do a fun activity together (like a board game or puzzle). At the end, each person shares one thing they appreciated about someone else during the game. This will place the focus on encouragement instead of winning.