From Luke 18 - Jesus told this parable to those who look down on others. As with so many of His parables, as well as the beginning of His Sermon On The Mount, humility is required if one is to enter His Kingdom.
God desires to be known. The Bible is a record of His revelation of Himself to Man. The better we know Him, the easier it is to believe and trust Him - which is His desire. And He desires that for our good. The message is taken from John 10:1-15.
Acts 18:9-11 - The Lord spoke to the Apostle Paul telling him not to be afraid and to continue to boldly proclaim the Gospel. Why was that necessary and what can we learn from it?