Parables

Today, we dive into a story told by Jesus, a narrative that serves as a mirror reflecting our spiritual state—the parable of the Pharisee and the tax collector.

Read Luke 18:9-14

Luke 18:9–14 (NKJV)

Also He spoke this parable to some who trusted in themselves that they were righteous, and despised others:

“Two men went up to the temple to pray, one a Pharisee and the other a tax collector.

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.’

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!’

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 18:9 (NKJV)

Also He spoke this parable to some who trusted in themselves that they were righteous, and despised others:

What is a parable?

A parable is defined in the Greek as a short moral story with a symbolic meaning.

That is often expressed in imagery, farmer, vineyard, etc.

Another definition to consider is it is a earthly illustration, with a spiritual truth.

Luke 18:9 (KJV 1900)

And he spake this parable unto certain which trusted in themselves that they were righteous, and despised others:

Jesus begins with an audience in mind: those who are confident of their own righteousness, looking down on everyone else.

It’s a heart condition, a spiritual posture that Jesus aims to challenge and transform.

Luke 18:10 (NKJV)

“Two men went up to the temple to pray, one a Pharisee and the other a tax collector.

Introduction to Characters:

We see two men in this passage.

Here, two men, different as day and night, embark on a journey to the temple.

To fully grasp this parable, we must understand the societal roles of the Pharisee and the tax collector in 1st-century Judea.

Pharisee

The Pharisee was a highly respected, standard-bearers and well respected. They sit on a counsel of the Sanhedrin, which means to sit together.

This was a council of 70 members that was made up of both Pharisees and Sadducees, which sit under the leadership of the High Priest.

This would be similar to our supreme court system today.

During the time of Jesus there were about 6000 and they considered themselves superior to everyone else.

Tax Collector

In contrast, we have a tax collector who was seen as collaborators with the Roman oppressors, and considered unclean and sinful.

Transition:

Both went to the temple to pray, but their attitudes and the outcomes were vastly different.

Let’s see why these outcomes were so different.

Pharisee

Luke 18:11 (NLT)

The Pharisee stood by himself and prayed this prayer: ‘I thank you, God, that I am not like other people—cheaters, sinners, adulterers. I’m certainly not like that tax collector!

Let's examine the Pharisee's prayer.

Notice his stance—"standing by himself."

This is not merely a physical description but a representation of his spiritual isolation, his self-perceived moral superiority.

His prayer is saturated with self-righteousness.

He thanks God not for mercy or grace but that he is not like other men.

Luke 18:12 NKJV

I fast twice a week; I give tithes of all that I possess.’

Notice, he wasn't really talking to God; he was talking about himself.

His prayer lists his religious achievements and his comparative righteousness.

This reveals his spiritual condition, he has no genuine love for God or neighbor.

It’s all about him.

He's boasting of his own works.

It's a prayer that glorifies self rather than God.

The danger of such self-righteousness is profound; it blinds individuals to their spiritual poverty.

The Pharisee represents a mindset that bases ones spiritual worth and acceptance on ones performance.

We must remember it's not our works that save us; it's our faith in Jesus Christ.

Tax Collector

Luke 18:13 NKJV

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!’

The tax collector stands "at a distance," unwilling even to lift his eyes to heaven.

His prayer is simple yet profound: "God, be merciful to me, a sinner."

There is no list of achievements, no comparison with others

Only an acknowledgment of his sinfulness and a plea for mercy.

This is the posture of true repentance—acknowledging one's sinfulness and total dependence on God's mercy.

Now let’s look at what Jesus’s response is..

Luke 18:14 NKJV

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.”

Jesus says, "this man went down to his house justified, rather than the other."

The tax collector, not the Pharisee, is declared righteous before God.

This statement flips societal and religious expectations upside down, highlighting that humility and repentance are valued over self-righteousness and pride in the kingdom of God.

The danger of self-righteousness is that it blinds us from the need of God’s grace.

Application

What does this mean for us?

It's a call to examine our hearts.

This parable contrasts two men, two prayers, and two very different spiritual conditions.

The Pharisee was caught in the dangerous trap of self-righteousness.

He thought he was righteous because of what he did.

He believed that his works, his fasting, and his tithes justified him before God.

The tax collector in contrast, had no list of achievements, he didn't compare himself with others, he humbled himself before God, repented and asked for mercy.

Conclusion

Which can you relate to more this morning, the Pharisee or the tax collector?

When you approach God, do you find yourself listing your accomplishments and righteousness like the Pharisee, or do you come openly acknowledging your shortcomings, desperately seeking His mercy like the tax collector?

In your walk with God, have you been seeking His approval through your actions, trying to earn His love and grace?

Jesus promises that those who humble themselves will be exalted.

Call To Action

If you've found yourself measuring your worth by your actions, your own sense of righteousness, or how well you've performed spiritually, I extend an invitation to you today.

Come, let me this morning in prayer, seeking the Lord for a heart of humility—a heart that rests not on our own achievements, but on the unmerited grace given to us through faith in Jesus Christ.

Closing Prayer:

Next Week..

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