Jesus shared a parable with people who were self-assured of their righteousness and tended to look down on others. The parable was meant to challenge their perspective and reveal the true nature of God’s grace and mercy.

Jesus Knew That These Individuals Were Prideful & Judgmental

The parable that Jesus shared was about two men who went to the temple to pray. 
One of the men was a Pharisee: a member of a religious group known for their strict adherence to the law and their outward displays of piety. 

The other man was a
Tax collector: a profession that was despised by many in Jewish society at the time. 

The Pharisee stood up and prayed, thanking God that he was not like other people, including the tax collector who was standing nearby. He boasted about his own righteousness and his strict adherence to the law.

In Contrast

The tax collector stood at a distance and would not even look up to heaven. He beat his chest and prayed, “God, have mercy on me, a sinner.”

Jesus then revealed that it was the tax collector, not the Pharisee, who went home justified before God.

Those Who Exalt Themselves Will Be Humbled

He explained that those who exalt themselves will be humbled, but those who humble themselves will be exalted.

This parable was a powerful reminder that true righteousness is not found in outward displays of righteousness or strict abidance to the law. Rather, it is found in a humble and contrite heart that recognizes its need for God’s grace and mercy.

The Importance Of Humility

The parable that Jesus shared about the Pharisee and the tax collector is a powerful reminder of the true nature of righteousness and the importance of humility and compassion.

At its core, the parable is a critique of the self-righteous attitudes and behaviors of the Pharisees, who were known for their strict adherence to the law and their outward displays of piety.

The Pharisee in the parable represents those who are confident in their own righteousness and look down on others who they perceive as less righteous.

He stands up and prays, thanking God that he is not like other people, including the tax collector who is standing nearby.

He boasts about his own righteousness and his strict adherence to the law, believing that he is justified before God because of his own efforts.

In contrast, the tax collector represents those who recognize their own sinfulness and their need for God’s grace and mercy.

He stands at a distance and would not even look up to heaven. He beats his chest and prays, “God, have mercy on me, a sinner.”

He recognizes that he is not justified before God because of his own efforts, but rather because of God’s grace and mercy.

Jesus reveals that it is the tax collector, not the Pharisee, who goes home justified before God.

Challenging Human Nature

The depth of this parable lies in its challenge to our human nature. It is easy to fall into the trap of self-righteousness and judgmental attitudes, especially when we compare ourselves to others.

Jesus is reminding us that true righteousness is not found in our own efforts, but rather in our recognition of our need for God’s grace and mercy.

God’s Idea Of Righteousness, Not Our Own

The parable

This challenges our understanding of who is considered righteous in God’s eyes. and reminds us that God’s grace and mercy are available to all who recognize their need for it.

Call To Humility

In essence, this parable is a call to humility, compassion, and a recognition of our need for God’s grace and mercy. It challenges us to let go of our pride and judgmental attitudes and to embrace a spirit of humility and compassion towards others.

These verses remind us that our salvation and righteousness are not based on our own efforts or good works, but rather on God’s grace and mercy:

• “For it is by grace you have been saved, through faith—and this is not from yourselves, it is the gift of God— not by works, so that no one can boast.” – Ephesians 2:8-9
• “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.’ 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.” – Luke 18:13-14
• “But when the kindness and love of God our Savior appeared, he saved us, not because of righteous things we had done, but because of his mercy. He saved us through the washing of rebirth and renewal by the Holy Spirit.” – Titus 3:4-5
• “Therefore no one will be declared righteous in God’s sight by the works of the law; rather, through the law we become conscious of our sin.” – Romans 3:20

We cannot earn our salvation through our own actions, but rather it is a gift from God that we receive through faith. This recognition of our need for God’s grace and mercy should lead us to humility and a dependence on Him, rather than pride in our own accomplishments.