Parable of the Pharisee and Tax Collector
Parable of the Pharisee and Tax Collector
Jesus teaches from a boat off the shore of Lake Gennesaret. He speaks in parables, giving the example of a Pharisee and tax collector going to the temple to pray. The two men approach prayer very differently. The Pharisee in the story stands by himself and lists his respectable attributes. He thanks God that he is not greedy, dishonest, or an adulterer like everyone else. He specifically points out the tax collector and thanks God for not being like him. The Pharisee boldly tells God what he does: He fasts two days a week and gives a tenth of his income. The tax collector stands at a distance from the altar. Head bowed, he beats on his chest. The only thing he prays is, "God, have pity on me, a sinner!"
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ShareTo some who trusted in their own righteousness and viewed others with contempt, He also told this parable: “Two men went up to the temple to pray. One was 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 men — swindlers, evildoers, adulterers — or even like this tax collector. I fast twice a week and pay tithes of all that I acquire.’ But the tax collector stood at a distance, unwilling even to lift up his eyes to heaven. Instead, he beat his breast and said, ‘God, have mercy on me, a sinner!’ I tell you, this man, rather than the Pharisee, went home justified. For everyone who exalts himself will be humbled, but the one who humbles himself will be exalted.”
Berean Standard Bible
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