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40. SAINTS AND SINNERS (Matthew 19:16-26; Mark 10:17-27; Luke 18:9-27) esus told this parable to people who were so sure of their own goodness and looked down on everybody else: ‘Once there were two men who went into the Temple to pray. One was a Pharisee and the other was a tax collector. The Pharisee stood and prayed, "God, | thank You that I am not greedy, dishonest, or unfaithful to my marriage vows like other people are. | thank You that I am not like that tax collector over there! I fast twice a week and I give You my tithes—one tenth of all my income. Meanwhile, the tax collector stood at a distance and did not even dare to look up to heaven as he prayed. Instead, he beat his chest in sorrow and said, “0 God, be merciful to me, for | am a sinner.” Jesus said to His listeners, “I tell you, when the two men went home, it was the tax collector and not the Pharisee who had God’s approval. You see, if you are proud you will be humbled, but if you are humble, you will be honored. Then a young religious leader asked Jesus, “Good Teacher, what should ! do to gain eternal life?" “You know the commandments, Do not murder. Do not steal. Do not tell li and mother. Love your neighbor as yourself: Teacher | have obeyed all of these commandments.” said the young man. ‘What else do | need to do?” Jesus told him, “If you want to be pi Give the money to the poor, and you wil be My follower” When the young ma very rich and had many possessions. Je ich people to enter God’s Kingdom ‘The disciples were shocked to heat answered Jesus. “Do not commit adultery. ies about others. Respect your father ‘erfect, go and sell everything you own. iI have riches in heaven. Then come and he became sad and left, because he was .n heard this, gus said to His disciples, “It's so hard for 1 this, They said to each other, “Then how can anyone be saved? Jesus looked straight a! beings but not for God; every! d. “This is impossible for human {t them and answere’ Him! thing is possible for & 7

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