Neville Goddard on Luke 18:9-14 - Mystical Bible Interpretation

Read Luke 18 in context

Scripture Focus

9And he spake this parable unto certain which trusted in themselves that they were righteous, and despised others:

10Two men went up into the temple to pray; the one a Pharisee, and the other a publican.

11The Pharisee stood and prayed thus with himself, God, I thank thee, that I am not as other men are, extortioners, unjust, adulterers, or even as this publican.

12I fast twice in the week, I give tithes of all that I possess.

13And the publican, standing afar off, would not lift up so much as his eyes unto heaven, but smote upon his breast, saying, God be merciful to me a sinner.

14I tell you, this man went down to his house justified rather than the other: for every one that exalteth himself shall be abased; and he that humbleth himself shall be exalted.

Luke 18:9-14

Biblical Context

The parable contrasts a self-satisfied Pharisee with a humble publican; true justification comes from humility and mercy within, not from outward deeds.

Neville's Inner Vision

Picture the scene as a drama of consciousness. The Pharisee represents a hardened self-image that boasts, 'I am not like other men,' counting virtues as tokens in a ledger. The Publican embodies the humble state of awareness that cannot look up but leans into the I AM, whispering, 'God, be merciful to me a sinner.' In Neville's terms, places and people are inner states: the temple is your sanctuary of awareness, and prayer is the act of aligning with the one I AM behind all forms. The 'justification' spoken by Jesus is not a courtroom ruling but the moment your consciousness acknowledges mercy as the truth of who you are. When you insist on your own righteousness, you stiffen your interior space; when you soften into humility, you allow the divine current to circulate and cleanse. The separation dissolves, and you realize you are already what you seek—the beloved in whom mercy flows freely. Your revelation is not earned; it is remembered as your native state.

Practice This Now

Close your eyes and in imagination stand in the temple of your mind; declare 'I am the I AM,' and in that stance, say 'God be merciful to me'—not as crying for pity, but as accepting the mercy that already belongs to you. Feel this mercy as a warm, undeniable current flowing through you.