The parable of the Pharisee and the Publican is one of the most profound teachings of Jesus on pride, humility, and true righteousness. Found in Luke 18:9-14, this parable contrasts two men who went to the temple to pray-one a Pharisee and the other a Publican (tax collector).
While the Pharisee was proud and self-righteous, the Publican humbly acknowledged his sinfulness. Jesus concluded the parable by teaching that God exalts the humble and humbles the proud.
In this topic, we will explore the meaning, significance, and lessons from this powerful parable and how it applies to our spiritual lives today.
Understanding the Parable
The Context of the Parable
Jesus told this parable to “some who trusted in themselves that they were righteous and despised others” (Luke 18:9). The audience consisted of religious leaders and people who believed they were morally superior to others.
The parable illustrates two contrasting attitudes in prayer-one filled with pride and self-glorification, the other with humility and repentance.
The Pharisee’s Prayer
“The Pharisee stood and prayed thus with himself: ‘God, I thank You that I am not like other men-extortioners, unjust, adulterers, or even as this tax collector. I fast twice a week; I give tithes of all that I possess.’” (Luke 18:11-12)
The Pharisee’s prayer is self-centered. Instead of focusing on God, he boasts about his own righteousness.
- He compares himself to sinners and looks down on others.
- He lists his good deeds-fasting and tithing-as if they make him superior.
- His prayer lacks humility and true repentance.
The Publican’s Prayer
“And the tax collector, standing afar off, would not so much as raise his eyes to heaven, but beat his breast, saying, ‘God, be merciful to me, a sinner!’” (Luke 18:13)
Unlike the Pharisee, the Publican (tax collector) prays with genuine humility.
- He stands at a distance, feeling unworthy before God.
- He does not even lift his eyes-a sign of deep repentance.
- He beats his chest, showing sorrow for his sins.
- His prayer is short but sincere: “God, be merciful to me, a sinner!”
Jesus’ Conclusion
“I tell you, this man went down to his house justified rather than the other; for everyone who exalts himself will be humbled, and he who humbles himself will be exalted.” (Luke 18:14)
Jesus declares that the Publican, not the Pharisee, was justified before God. This reveals that God values humility and repentance more than outward religious deeds.
Key Lessons from the Parable
1. True Prayer Comes from a Humble Heart
The Pharisee’s prayer was filled with pride and self-righteousness, while the Publican’s prayer was filled with humility and sincerity.
Lesson: When we approach God, we must do so with a humble and contrite heart rather than boasting about our good works.
2. Comparing Ourselves to Others is Dangerous
The Pharisee’s biggest mistake was comparing himself to others instead of examining his own heart before God.
Lesson: Our focus should be on our own spiritual growth, not judging others.
3. Good Works Do Not Guarantee Righteousness
The Pharisee fasted and gave tithes, but his heart was far from God. Meanwhile, the Publican, who had no good deeds to boast about, was justified because of his repentance.
Lesson: Good works are important, but they must come from a heart that seeks God rather than a desire to appear righteous.
4. God Justifies the Humble
Jesus teaches that “he who humbles himself will be exalted.” This means that God lifts up those who acknowledge their need for Him.
Lesson: We should always approach God with humility and a willingness to accept His grace.
Applying the Parable in Our Lives
1. Examining Our Own Hearts
Before we pray, we should reflect on our attitudes. Are we like the Pharisee, trusting in our own righteousness? Or like the Publican, recognizing our need for mercy?
2. Praying with Sincerity
God is not impressed by long or eloquent prayers but by sincere hearts. The Publican’s prayer was short yet powerful because it came from true repentance.
3. Avoiding Spiritual Pride
It is easy to fall into self-righteousness, especially when we follow religious practices faithfully. But we must remember that salvation is by grace, not by works.
4. Trusting in God’s Mercy
The Publican prayed, “God, be merciful to me, a sinner.” This should be our daily prayer, recognizing that we all need God’s grace every day.
The Parable’s Relevance Today
This parable is still relevant in the modern world because pride and self-righteousness are common struggles.
- Some people believe they are better than others because of their religious practices.
- Others feel unworthy to approach God because of their past mistakes.
The parable teaches that God is not impressed by outward religion but looks at the heart.
Comparing the Pharisee and the Publican
| Aspect | Pharisee | Publican (Tax Collector) |
|---|---|---|
| Posture in Prayer | Stood confidently | Stood at a distance |
| Attitude | Proud, self-righteous | Humble, repentant |
| Focus | Himself and his good works | God and His mercy |
| Comparison | Compared himself to sinners | Focused on his own sin |
| Outcome | Not justified | Justified by God |
Other Biblical Examples of Humble Prayer
1. The Prayer of the Prodigal Son (Luke 15:18-19)
Like the Publican, the Prodigal Son recognized his unworthiness and asked for his father’s mercy.
2. The Prayer of King David (Psalm 51:1-2)
David, after sinning, prayed: “Have mercy upon me, O God, according to Your lovingkindness.”
3. The Prayer of the Thief on the Cross (Luke 23:42)
The thief humbly said: “Lord, remember me when You come into Your kingdom.” Jesus responded, “Today, you will be with Me in Paradise.”
All these prayers reflect humility, repentance, and trust in God’s mercy.
The parable of the Pharisee and the Publican is a powerful lesson about true righteousness.
- The Pharisee’s prayer was full of pride, self-righteousness, and judgment.
- The Publican’s prayer was humble, sincere, and full of repentance.
- Jesus taught that the humble will be exalted and the proud will be humbled.
As we pray, let us follow the example of the Publican, always approaching God with humility and sincerity. Only then can we experience the fullness of His grace and mercy.