Morning Sermon - 14th June 2026 - The Pharisee, the Tax Collector, and True Justification

This morning's sermon is delivered by Rev. George Speers.

In this sermon on the parable of the Pharisee and the tax collector (Luke 18:9-14), the Reverend George Speers examines why Jesus' original hearers would have been shocked by the story's ending. Working through the two men, their two prayers, and the two very different results, Rev Speers shows that self-righteousness and comparison with others can never justify anyone before God, and that only the humble cry for mercy, trusting in Christ's atoning sacrifice, brings true justification. This is the seventh sermon in a series on the parables as 'tales of the unexpected'.

Bible passages referenced:

• Luke 18:9-14
• Genesis 3:5
• Psalm 14:1
• Mark 7:3-4
• Matthew 6:5
• Matthew 23:27
• 1 Samuel 16:7
• Galatians 2:16
• Isaiah 6:5
• Psalm 51