Teaching
The Pharisee and the Tax Collector
Who goes home justified
Two men pray in the temple: one brags, the other only asks for mercy. It is the second who goes home justified.
The story
Two men pray in the temple. The Pharisee gives thanks that he is not like others; the tax collector, at a distance, just beats his breast: “God, have mercy on me, a sinner!”
The meaning
It is the second who goes home justified. God resists pride and draws near to the humble.
Did you know?
- “Everyone who exalts himself will be humbled, but the one who humbles himself will be exalted.” Luke 18:14
Where to read in the Bible
- Luke 18:9–14
Connections
- taught by Jesus of Nazareth · stated in the text · Luke 18:9
- confronts The Pharisees · editorial reading · Luke 18:11