The Pharisee and the Tax Collector

Illustration of The Pharisee and the Tax Collector

Jesus directed this parable toward those who trusted in themselves as righteous and despised others, describing a Pharisee who stood in the temple and prayed with confidence, thanking God that he was not like other men while listing his religious practices. In contrast, the tax collector remained at a distance, beat his breast, and simply pleaded for mercy as a sinner. By concluding that the tax collector returned home justified rather than the Pharisee, Jesus reveals that God honors humble repentance over proud self-righteousness, underscoring a vital aspect of the gospel where grace meets the contrite heart.

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Category: Prayer & Humility

Meaning: God honors humble repentance over proud self-righteousness.

Audience: Self-righteous

Key Passages

The Parable

Luke 18:9-14

A9nd he spake this parable unto certain which trusted in themselves that they were righteous, and despised others:

10 Two men went up into the temple to pray; the one a Pharisee, and the other a publican. 11 The 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. 12 I fast twice in the week, I give tithes of all that I possess. 13 And 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. 14 I 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.

Related

Characters

Life Situations

Did You Know?

1

Tax collectors were considered traitors. They worked for Rome and often extorted extra money.

2

The Pharisee's prayer was technically accurate. He really did fast and tithe beyond requirements.

3

The tax collector 'would not even look up to heaven'. A posture of genuine shame and humility.