📖 Bible Passage (KJV) – Luke 18:9-14
⁹ And he spake this parable unto certain which trusted in themselves that they were righteous, and despised others:
¹⁰ Two men went up into the temple to pray; the one a Pharisee, and the other a publican.
¹¹ The Pharisee stood and prayed thus with himself, God, I thank thee, that I am not as other men are, extortioners, unjust, adulterers, or even as this publican.
¹² I fast twice in the week, I give tithes of all that I possess.
¹³ And the publican, standing afar off, would not lift up so much as his eyes unto heaven, but smote upon his breast, saying, God be merciful to me a sinner.
¹⁴ I tell you, 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.
✨ All Summed Up
Jesus tells the story of a Pharisee and a tax collector (publican) who both enter the temple to pray. The Pharisee proudly thanks God that he is not sinful like others and boasts of his religious deeds. In contrast, the tax collector humbly acknowledges his sinfulness and begs for God’s mercy. Jesus concludes that the tax collector, not the Pharisee, is the one who is justified before God. This parable teaches that humility and repentance, not self-righteousness, lead to true righteousness in God’s eyes.
⚡Key Takeaway
- Humility before God – True righteousness comes from a humble heart, not outward religious acts.
- Self-righteousness is dangerous – Trusting in our own goodness blinds us to our need for God’s grace.
- God exalts the humble – Those who recognize their sin and seek God’s mercy are justified.
- Prayer should be sincere – God listens to the prayers of the humble, not the boastful.
- We all need God’s mercy – No one is righteous on their own; we are justified by grace, not works.
💭 Reflect & Apply
This parable challenges us to examine our hearts. Are we like the Pharisee, proud of our religious deeds and comparing ourselves to others? Or do we come before God like the tax collector, aware of our sin and in need of His mercy? True faith isn’t about outward appearances but about a humble, repentant heart before the Lord. Today, take a moment to reflect on your own approach to prayer and righteousness—do you rely on God’s grace, or do you trust in your own deeds?
🙌 Pray, reflect, and act! Share this parable with a friend and reflect on how it speaks to your life today.
🔗 Explore more parables from the Gospels
🔗 Learn about mercy in our Bible Verses section
🔗 Read the Word of God the Christian Cowboy way