Learn the Story of Jesus
Season 6: Journey to Jerusalem
6.5 — The Pharisee and the Tax Collector
6.5 — The Pharisee and the Tax Collector: God sees beyond outward appearances and looks at the heart.
6.5 — The Pharisee and the Tax Collector
Who Went Home Right With God?
As Jesus traveled toward Jerusalem, He continued teaching about prayer, faith, humility, and the condition of the human heart.
Many people in Jesus’ day believed that outward religious behavior was the primary measure of spiritual maturity.
Those who appeared righteous were often admired.
Those with a sinful reputation were often rejected.
Jesus told a parable that challenged those assumptions.
The story contrasts two men who entered the Temple to pray.
One was highly respected.
The other was widely despised.
One was confident in his own goodness.
The other knew he needed God’s mercy.
By the end of the story, Jesus reveals that things are not always what they seem.
Scripture References
Luke 18:9–14
Psalm 51:1–17
Isaiah 57:15
Micah 6:6–8
Romans 3:23–24
Ephesians 2:8–9
The Story
Jesus specifically directed this parable toward people who trusted in their own righteousness and looked down on others.
Two men went to the Temple to pray.
One was a Pharisee.
The other was a tax collector.
The Pharisee stood confidently and prayed:
“God, I thank You that I am not like other people.”
He listed his religious accomplishments.
He fasted regularly.
He gave generously.
He compared himself favorably to others.
Particularly to the tax collector standing nearby.
The tax collector took a very different approach.
He stood at a distance.
He would not even lift his eyes toward heaven.
Instead, he beat his chest and prayed:
“God, be merciful to me, the sinner!”
Jesus then delivered the surprising conclusion.
The tax collector went home justified before God.
The Pharisee did not.
Jesus ended with a principle repeated throughout Scripture:
Understanding the Story
Who Were the Pharisees?
The Pharisees were respected religious leaders.
Many sincerely desired to obey God’s Law.
They were known for careful attention to religious practices.
However, some became focused on outward appearances while neglecting humility and mercy.
Why Were Tax Collectors Despised?
Tax collectors worked for the Roman government.
Many became wealthy through dishonest practices.
They were often viewed as traitors and sinners.
The audience would have expected the Pharisee to be the hero of the story.
Instead, Jesus surprises them.
What Does “Justified” Mean?
To be justified means to be declared right before God.
The tax collector received God’s mercy because he approached God with humility and repentance.
Understanding Jesus
Why Is Humility So Important?
Humility recognizes the truth.
Every person needs God’s grace.
No one earns salvation through good works.
The tax collector understood his need.
The Pharisee did not.
Was the Pharisee’s Prayer Completely Wrong?
Some of the things he said were true.
He did fast.
He did give.
The problem was not gratitude.
The problem was pride.
His focus was on himself rather than on God.
Why Did Jesus Tell This Story?
Jesus wanted people to understand that salvation is based on God’s grace, not human achievement.
A humble heart is open to God’s mercy.
A proud heart often believes it has no need for mercy.
Understanding Jesus: Prayer in the Temple
The Temple was the center of Jewish worship.
Many people came there to pray.
Public prayer was common.
Jesus uses a familiar setting to teach a deeper lesson.
The issue is not where people pray.
The issue is the attitude they bring before God.
God looks beyond outward appearance and sees the heart.
Old Testament Connections
King David demonstrated a repentant heart after his sin.
Psalm 51 records his prayer for mercy and forgiveness.
The prophets repeatedly taught that God values humility more than outward religious performance.
Micah summarized God’s desire:
“To do justice, to love kindness, and to walk humbly with your God.”
Jesus continues that theme in this parable.
Missing Context Check
Is Jesus Condemning All Pharisees?
No.
Not every Pharisee behaved like the man in this story.
Jesus is addressing pride and self-righteousness wherever they appear.
Does Humility Mean Thinking Poorly of Yourself?
No.
Biblical humility means seeing yourself honestly before God.
It means recognizing both your value and your need for grace.
Can Good Works Save Someone?
The Bible consistently teaches that salvation comes through God’s grace.
Good works are important, but they are the result of faith, not the source of salvation.
A Deeper Look: Comparing Ourselves to Others
One of the greatest dangers in spiritual life is comparison.
The Pharisee measured himself against other people.
As long as he could find someone worse than himself, he felt secure.
The tax collector measured himself against God’s holiness.
That comparison led him to seek mercy.
Jesus teaches that spiritual growth begins when people stop comparing themselves to others and honestly seek God.
This lesson connects closely to:
Related Lessons
Season 6: Journey to Jerusalem
6.2 The Parable of the Lost Son
6.6 Blessing the Children
5.3 The Greatest in the Kingdom
Season 3: Jesus Begins His Ministry
Key Themes
Humility Matters
God honors humble hearts.
Grace Cannot Be Earned
Salvation comes from God.
Prayer Reveals the Heart
The two prayers expose two very different attitudes.
Comparison Is Dangerous
Spiritual growth comes from seeking God, not competing with others.
Why This Lesson Matters
Modern people often compare themselves to others.
Social media, success, accomplishments, and appearances encourage constant comparison.
Jesus offers a different perspective.
The question is not whether we appear better than someone else.
The question is whether we have honestly come before God.
This lesson reminds believers that God’s grace is available to all who seek Him with humility.
Connecting to Jesus
This lesson reveals Jesus as:
The Teacher of Truth.
The Revealer of Hearts.
The Friend of Sinners.
The Savior Who Offers Grace.
Jesus welcomes those who come honestly, humbly, and in need of mercy.
Living the Message
This week, spend time thanking God for His grace rather than focusing on your accomplishments.
Pray Psalm 51.
Ask God to reveal any areas of pride.
Practice humility by encouraging someone else without seeking recognition.
Remember that every believer stands in need of God’s mercy.
Reflection Questions
Why did Jesus tell this parable?
Possible answers:
To warn against pride and self-righteousness.
What was wrong with the Pharisee’s attitude?
Possible answers:
He trusted in himself rather than in God’s grace.
Why was the tax collector justified?
Possible answers:
He approached God with humility and repentance.
What does this lesson teach about salvation?
Possible answers:
Salvation comes through God’s mercy, not human achievement.
Why is comparison spiritually dangerous?
Possible answers:
It can lead to pride and self-righteousness.
GROW Framework
Grounded in Scripture
Jesus taught that the humble tax collector went home justified before God.
Reasons We Believe
God offers grace to those who recognize their need for Him.
Obedience in Action
Pray with honesty and humility this week.
Walk It Out
Focus on God’s grace rather than comparing yourself to others.
Related Pages
Prayer and Worship Preparation
Understanding Jesus: Cultural Insights
Continue Learning
Season 6: Journey to Jerusalem
6.6 Blessing the Children
You may also revisit:
5.3 The Greatest in the Kingdom
One man boasted about himself.
One man cried out for mercy.
Jesus said only one went home right with God.
The difference was humility.
