The parable of the Pharisee and the tax collector is one of Jesus’ most powerful teachings on humility, pride, and justification before God. Found in Luke 18:9-14, this parable contrasts two men who come to the temple to pray-one full of self-righteousness and the other seeking God’s mercy.
This story is a reminder that outward religious appearance does not guarantee righteousness. Instead, a humble heart is what truly matters to God.
The Parable of the Pharisee and the Tax Collector
Luke 18:9-14 – The Full Passage
**”To some who were confident of their own righteousness and looked down on everyone else, Jesus told this parable: Two men went up to the temple to pray, one a Pharisee and the other a tax collector. The Pharisee stood by himself and prayed: ‘God, I thank you that I am not like other people-robbers, evildoers, adulterers-or even like this tax collector. I fast twice a week and give a tenth of all I get.’
But the tax collector stood at a distance. He would not even look up to heaven, but beat his breast and said, ‘God, have mercy on me, a sinner.’
I tell you that this man, rather than the other, went home justified before God. For all those who exalt themselves will be humbled, and those who humble themselves will be exalted.”**
Understanding the Two Characters
1. The Pharisee – A Picture of Self-Righteousness
The Pharisees were religious leaders who were highly respected in Jewish society. They strictly followed the Law of Moses and upheld religious traditions. However, many of them became proud, believing that their outward obedience made them righteous before God.
The Pharisee in the parable:
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Prayed with arrogance, thanking God that he was not like sinners.
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Listed his religious achievements, such as fasting and tithing.
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Looked down on others, especially the tax collector.
His prayer was not about seeking God’s guidance or mercy-it was about boasting in his own self-righteousness.
2. The Tax Collector – A Picture of Humility
In Jesus’ time, tax collectors were seen as traitors because they worked for the Roman government and often cheated people. They were despised by society and considered sinners.
However, the tax collector in the parable showed a different attitude:
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He stood at a distance, feeling unworthy before God.
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He did not lift his eyes, showing humility.
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He beat his chest, a sign of deep sorrow and repentance.
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He asked for mercy, recognizing his sinfulness.
Unlike the Pharisee, the tax collector did not try to justify himself. Instead, he humbly confessed his sins and sought God’s forgiveness.
The Meaning of the Parable
1. Justification Comes Through Humility, Not Pride
Jesus makes it clear that the tax collector, not the Pharisee, was justified before God. This teaches that righteousness is not about religious acts or comparing ourselves to others-it is about having a humble and repentant heart.
Romans 3:23 – “For all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God.”
No one can earn salvation through good deeds alone. It is only by God’s grace that we are saved.
2. Those Who Exalt Themselves Will Be Humbled
Jesus ends the parable with a powerful statement:
Luke 18:14 – “For all those who exalt themselves will be humbled, and those who humble themselves will be exalted.”
Pride leads to spiritual downfall, while humility opens the door to God’s grace.
James 4:6 – “God opposes the proud but shows favor to the humble.”
3. True Prayer Is About the Heart, Not Just Words
The Pharisee’s prayer was full of pride and focused on his achievements, while the tax collector’s prayer was humble and sincere. This teaches us that:
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God hears the prayers of the humble.
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We should approach God with sincerity, not pride.
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True prayer is about seeking God’s mercy, not self-glorification.
Lessons We Can Learn
1. Avoid Self-Righteousness
Many people, like the Pharisee, believe they are righteous because they follow religious rules. However, Jesus warns that righteousness is not about outward appearances but about the condition of the heart.
Isaiah 64:6 – “All our righteous acts are like filthy rags.”
Instead of focusing on our own goodness, we should acknowledge our need for God’s grace.
2. Approach God with Humility
God is pleased when we come before Him with a repentant heart. The tax collector understood that he was a sinner and needed God’s mercy-this is the attitude that pleases God.
Micah 6:8 – “He has shown you, O mortal, what is good. And what does the Lord require of you? To act justly and to love mercy and to walk humbly with your God.”
3. Do Not Judge Others
The Pharisee judged the tax collector and considered himself superior. Jesus warns against this kind of self-righteous judgment.
Matthew 7:1-2 – “Do not judge, or you too will be judged. For in the same way you judge others, you will be judged.”
Instead of looking down on others, we should love, pray, and encourage those who are struggling in their faith.
4. Salvation Is by Grace, Not Works
The Pharisee thought he could earn righteousness through fasting, tithing, and following religious rules. However, the Bible teaches that salvation is a gift from God, not something we can earn.
Ephesians 2:8-9 – “For it is by grace you have been saved, through faith-and this is not from yourselves, it is the gift of God-not by works, so that no one can boast.”
We should trust in God’s mercy and grace, just like the tax collector did.
How to Apply This Parable in Our Lives
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Examine your heart – Are you trusting in your own goodness, or are you relying on God’s grace?
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Pray with humility – Approach God with sincerity and a repentant heart.
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Avoid spiritual pride – Do not compare yourself to others or think you are better because of religious achievements.
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Show grace to others – Instead of judging, encourage and pray for those who are struggling.
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Trust in God’s mercy – No matter how sinful you feel, God is ready to forgive when you come to Him with a humble heart.
The parable of the Pharisee and the tax collector teaches a powerful lesson about humility, prayer, and justification before God. The Pharisee represents self-righteousness and pride, while the tax collector represents humility and true repentance.
Jesus makes it clear that God rejects pride but welcomes those who humbly seek His mercy. The message of this parable remains relevant today-God is not impressed by outward religious acts, but He looks at the heart.
If we want to be justified before God, we must come before Him with a humble and repentant spirit, trusting in His grace rather than our own righteousness.