The Pharisee and the Publican (Luke 18:9-14)

2022-05-31

Jesus told a parable “unto certain which trusted in themselves that they were righteous, and despised others” (Luke 18:9).

Two men prayed in the Temple. The self-righteous Pharisee thanked God he was better than the publican. He pointed to all the things he had done. He was a giver, not a taker like that tax collector. The Pharisee was self-righteous.

However, the tax collector knew what he was, which is why he begged for mercy. He recognized his true state before God.

We are all like the tax collector in our condition. We have a choice to honor this truth or to deceive ourselves like the Pharisee. Not only did the Pharisee trust in Himself, he “despised others.” But he was no better than the open sinner.

This is why we need the Savior, Jesus Christ, who died for our sins, receiving wrath from God instead of we ourselves, and rose the third day from the dead.

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 (Luke 18:14)