Parables of Jesus
The Pharisee and the Publican
Prayer
Read: Luke 18:9-14
SeeIn the parable of the Pharisee and the Publican, a self-righteous Pharisee, obsessed by his own virtue, is contrasted with a tax collector who humbly asks God for mercy. This parable primarily shows Jesus teaching that justification is given by the mercy of God irrespective of the receiver's prior life, and that self-righteousness can prohibit being justified. Coming as it does in a section of teaching on prayer it demonstrates the need to pray humbly.
The New Testament often depicts Pharisees as displaying a punctilious adherence to Jewish law. In this parable, the Pharisee went beyond his fellows, fasting more often than was required, and giving a tithe on all he received, even in cases where it wasn't required.Confident in his religiosity, the Pharisee asks God for nothing, and thus receives nothing.
On the other hand, publicans were despised Jews who collaborated with the Roman Empire. Because they were best known for collecting tolls or taxes they are commonly described as tax collectors. The parable, however, does not condemn the publican's occupation but instead describes the publican as one who recognizes his own state of unworthiness before God and sincerely confesses his need for reconciliation". As a result of his sorrow and humility, the publican receives the mercy he seeks.
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"The Pharisee and the Publican"
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