The Pharisee & The Tax Collector

In Luke 18:9-14, Jesus spoke the parable of the Pharisee and the tax collector. Both men went up to the temple to pray. The Pharisee's prayer was quite self-congratulatory in nature. He told God how he was not like other men - extortioners, unjust, adulterers, or even the tax collector lurking nearby. The Pharisee reminded God how he fasted twice a week - more than what was required by any biblical standard - and how he gave tithes of all that he possessed. The Pharisee's prayer was quite self-righteous. One can almost imagine the Pharisee patting himself on the back as he prayed.

Then it was the tax collector's turn.

He stood afar off. He looked downward, not heavenward. He beat his breast. He cried out, "God, be merciful to me a sinner!"

The tax collector's humility, brokenness, and utter sense of his own sin and lack of worthiness contrasted starkly with the empty, arrogant, and self-righteous words of the Pharisee.

We tend to read this parable, shake our heads at the self-righteousness of the Pharisee, and nod our heads in commendation at the humility of the tax collector.

And then we go on being just like the Pharisee.

Our human nature convinces us that we are better, more spiritual, more holy, and more righteous than those all around us, as if somehow that was going to get us into heaven. We forget about God's grace and God's mercy.

Don't compare yourself to others when you are praying. Don't tell God how great you think that you are in comparison to others. Instead, humble yourself before God, pray for His mercy, and give thanks for His grace.