The Parable of the Pharisee and the Tax Collector
Two men pray in the temple — a Pharisee boasts of his righteousness, while a tax collector humbly begs for mercy. Jesus declares the humble sinner went home justified, not the self-righteous Pharisee.
Two men pray in the temple — a Pharisee boasts of his righteousness, while a tax collector humbly begs for mercy. Jesus declares the humble sinner went home justified, not the self-righteous Pharisee.
"God be merciful to me a sinner." — Luke 18:13 (KJV)
"God be merciful to me a sinner."Luke 18:13 — Read in Context
Historical & Cultural Context
Pharisees were respected for their rigorous devotion to the Law. Fasting twice a week (Monday and Thursday) and tithing on all income — even herbs from the garden — exceeded what the Law required. Tax collectors (publicans) were despised as traitors who collaborated with Rome and routinely extorted their countrymen. Standing in the Temple to pray was normal; beating one's breast was a rare, dramatic gesture of deep anguish typically associated with women, not men.
Who Was Jesus Speaking To?
Luke says Jesus told this to 'certain which trusted in themselves that they were righteous, and despised others.' The parable inverted expectations: the righteous Pharisee went home unjustified while the despised tax collector received God's mercy. This directly challenged the social hierarchy of Jesus's day.
Key Symbols and Their Meanings
The Pharisee's Prayer
Self-righteous pride disguised as thanksgiving — comparing himself to others rather than measuring himself against God's holiness.
The Tax Collector's Prayer
Genuine repentance — 'God be merciful to me a sinner' (literally 'the sinner') acknowledges personal sinfulness without excuse.
Standing Afar Off
The tax collector's awareness of his unworthiness — humility expressed through physical distance.
Going Home Justified
God's acceptance based on humble repentance, not religious performance — justification by grace through faith.
What Does The Parable of the Pharisee and the Tax Collector Mean?
Jesus told this parable to those who 'trusted in themselves that they were righteous, and despised others.' Two men went to the temple to pray. The Pharisee stood and prayed: 'God, I thank thee, that I am not as other men are, extortioners, unjust, adulterers, or even as this publican. I fast twice in the week, I give tithes of all that I possess.' The tax collector stood far off, wouldn't even lift his eyes to heaven, beat his breast, and said: 'God be merciful to me a sinner.' Jesus declared: '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.'
Applying This Parable Today
This parable exposes the subtle danger of comparing our spirituality to others. The Pharisee's prayer was really a self-congratulatory monologue — he wasn't talking to God but performing for an audience. The tax collector, with nothing to offer but honest desperation, received God's mercy. In church culture, it's tempting to measure ourselves against those we consider 'worse.' But before God, the only posture that receives grace is humility.
Related Scripture References
Isaiah 66:2
"But to this man will I look, even to him that is poor and of a contrite spirit, and trembleth at my word."Read in context
Psalm 51:17
"The sacrifices of God are a broken spirit: a broken and a contrite heart, O God, thou wilt not despise."Read in context
Related Teachings
Beatitudes and Commandments connected to this parable:
Related Popular Verses
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Frequently Asked Questions
Why was the tax collector justified and not the Pharisee?
The tax collector was justified because he approached God with genuine humility and repentance, recognizing his need for mercy. The Pharisee was not justified because he relied on his own righteousness and looked down on others. God gives grace to the humble, not the self-righteous (James 4:6).
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