But this Pharisee trusted in his own righteousness; he ignored the mercy of God and the love of Jesus. He was measuring himself by his own rule. Now, if you want to measure yourself, do it by God’s law—by God’s requirements.
A great many people have a rule of their own, by which they measure themselves, and by that rule they are perfectly ready and willing to forgive themselves.
So it was with this Pharisee. The idea of coming to God and asking His forgiveness never enters his mind.
While talking to a man—one of those Pharisees—some time ago, about God and the need of Christ, he said to me:
“I can do without Christ; I do not want Him. I am ready to stand before God any time.”
That man was trusting in his own righteousness.
Now, take a good look at this Pharisee. You know, I have an idea that the Bible is like an album. I go into a man’s house, and, while waiting for him, I take up an album from a table and open it.
I look at a picture.
“Why, that looks like a man I know.”