The Pharisee and the Tax Collector - Bible Story

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The Pharisee and the Tax Collector - Bible Story

The well-known Bible story of the Pharisee and the Tax Collector (also known as the Publican) is a parable from Jesus Christ about the importance of humility and repentance. 

Here we see the example of the Pharisee who obeys the outward displays of piety but fails to have true humility in his heart. Let us learn from the Tax Collector to not exalt ourselves but to be humble and seek God's mercy sincerely. 

The Pharisee and the Tax Collector

He also told this parable to some who trusted in themselves that they were righteous, and treated others with contempt: "Two men went up into the temple to pray, one a Pharisee and the other a tax collector. The Pharisee, standing by himself, prayed thus: 'God, I thank you that I am not like other men, extortioners, unjust, adulterers, or even like this tax collector. I fast twice a week; I give tithes of all that I get.' But the tax collector, standing far off, would not even lift up his eyes to heaven, but beat his breast, saying, 'God, be merciful to me, a sinner!' I tell you, this man went down to his house justified, rather than the other. For everyone who exalts himself will be humbled, but the one who humbles himself will be exalted." (Luke 18:9-14)

The Pharisee's Pride

"Two men went up into the temple to pray, one a Pharisee and the other a tax collector." (Luke 18:10) The Pharisee is highly respected and a careful observer of the details of the Law, whereas the tas collector is despised as a sinner who collaborates with the occupying Roman forces, betraying and cheating his own people.

"The Pharisee, standing by himself, prayed thus: 'God, I thank you that I am not like other men, extortioners, unjust, adulterers, or even like this tax collector. I fast twice a week; I give tithes of all that I get." (Luke 18:11-12) The practices of this Pharisee are worthy examples to follow. His good deeds (fasting and tithing) are primary weapons against the passions of lust and greed (adultery and extortion). However, without a humble and repentant heart, these outward practices are worthless and lead only to pride and judgment of others. Note that he prays with himself, for God is absent where there is boasting.

The Tax Collector's Humility

"But the tax collector, standing far off, would not even lift up his eyes to heaven, but beat his breast, saying, 'God, be merciful to me, a sinner!'' (Luke 18:13) The tax collector shows by his posture an awareness of the state of his soul, standing far from the altar of sacrifice with eyes cast downward. His prayer, "God, be merciful to me a sinner", is the foundation of the Jesus Prayer, as in the refrain "Lord have mercy" that permeates Christian worship and personal prayer.

"I tell you, this man went down to his house justified, rather than the other. For everyone who exalts himself will be humbled, but the one who humbles himself will be exalted." (Luke 18:14) Justified means forgiven and set right with God, for inward humility is blessed while pride in outward deeds is condemned.

Bible Verses about Pride and Humility

When pride comes, then comes disgrace, but with the humble is wisdom. ~ Proverbs 11:2

One's pride will bring him low, but he who is lowly in spirit will obtain honor. ~ Proverbs 29:23

Pride goes before destruction, and a haughty spirit before a fall. ~ Proverbs 16:18

The fear of the Lord is hatred of evil. Pride and arrogance and the way of evil and perverted speech I hate. ~ Proverbs 8:13

But he gives more grace. Therefore it says, “God opposes the proud, but gives grace to the humble. Submit yourselves therefore to God. Resist the devil, and he will flee from you. 8 Draw near to God, and he will draw near to you. Cleanse your hands, you sinners, and purify your hearts, you double-minded. ” ~ James 4:6-8

The haughty looks of man shall be brought low, and the lofty pride of men shall be humbled, and the Lord alone will be exalted in that day. ~ Isaiah 2:11

Read the full Bible passage of the Pharisee and the Tax Collector along with related articles below!

Photo credit: Getty/Christine_Kohler

Luke 18:9-22

9 To some who were confident of their own righteousness and looked down on everyone else, Jesus told this parable:
10 “Two men went up to the temple to pray, one a Pharisee and the other a tax collector.
11 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.
12 I fast twice a week and give a tenth of all I get.’
13 “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.’
14 “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.”
15 People were also bringing babies to Jesus for him to place his hands on them. When the disciples saw this, they rebuked them.
16 But Jesus called the children to him and said, “Let the little children come to me, and do not hinder them, for the kingdom of God belongs to such as these.
17 Truly I tell you, anyone who will not receive the kingdom of God like a little child will never enter it.”
18 A certain ruler asked him, “Good teacher, what must I do to inherit eternal life?”
19 “Why do you call me good?” Jesus answered. “No one is good—except God alone.
20 You know the commandments: ‘You shall not commit adultery, you shall not murder, you shall not steal, you shall not give false testimony, honor your father and mother.’”
21 “All these I have kept since I was a boy,” he said.
22 When Jesus heard this, he said to him, “You still lack one thing. Sell everything you have and give to the poor, and you will have treasure in heaven. Then come, follow me.”

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