Madison Church

What defines your worth? Is it achievements, wealth, status, influence, or how you compare to others? In this piercing exploration of Luke 18, we confront the universal human tendency to measure ourselves against others and trust in worldly securities rather than God's grace.Through three powerful encounters, Jesus systematically dismantles conventional wisdom about success and righteousness. First, we witness the shocking contrast between a proud Pharisee and a humble tax collector, where Jesus declares it's not the religious achiever but the broken sinner who goes home justified. Next, when children approach Jesus, he doesn't just tolerate their presence but holds them up as models of the faith we should emulate. Finally, a wealthy, moral man walks away from eternal life because he cannot surrender what he trusts in most.These aren't just ancient stories—they're mirrors reflecting our own struggles with self-righteousness, independence, and misplaced security. Many of us still wrest