They answered him, ‘You were born in utter sin, and would you teach us? And they cast him out’ (Jn 9:34). People engaged in acts of religion often pride themselves on it and think they are better than those not involved in such actions. It makes them see themselves as having a higher standing before God than others. Otherwise, why would any human being, born in sin, judge another as being born in utter sin? The Pharisees encountered a man born blind but healed by Jesus and wanted him to acknowledge that Jesus was a sinner for having healed on a Sabbath day (Jn 9:24). The man pointed out that God does not listen to sinners, but to those who worship Him and do His will, so He could not have used Jesus to heal him if He were a sinner. They took offence at his remark and judged him as utterly sinful.
Before God, none has anything to boast about, for everyone falls short of His standard, so needs mercy to be pardoned for their sin. They are corrupt and stink in God’s nostril, so they are condemned and awaiting destruction. What can save them is a plea for mercy and not arrogant posturing. None is better than the other. All are saved by grace through faith, which is God’s gift to sinners, so stop boasting and humble yourself. In Christianity, no room is offered for boasting, for it requires each person to admit they are sinners and humble themselves at the cross to be washed clean in the blood of Jesus. This experience does away with pride in any person. Their only satisfaction then must be on Jesus, or in the cross, not in their fasting, payment of tithe, doing good acts or being morally good. It is only in the righteousness of Jesus that a person is deemed righteous before God.
