The Parable of the Pharisee and the Publican is a profound teaching of Jesus Christ, found in the Gospel of Luke 18:9-14. This parable is a vivid illustration of the themes of humility, repentance, and justification before God. It contrasts the attitudes and prayers of two men who went to the temple to pray: a Pharisee and a tax collector, also known as a publican.

Context and Audience

Jesus delivered this parable to a specific audience: "To some who trusted in their own righteousness and viewed others with contempt" (Luke 18:9). The Pharisees were a religious group known for their strict adherence to the Law and traditions. They were often seen as the epitome of piety and righteousness in Jewish society. In contrast, tax collectors were generally despised by the Jewish people for their collaboration with the Roman authorities and their reputation for extortion and greed.

The Pharisee's Prayer

The Pharisee, standing by himself, prayed: "God, I thank You that I am not like the other men—swindlers, evildoers, adulterers—or even like this tax collector. I fast twice a week and pay tithes of all that I acquire" (Luke 18:11-12). His prayer is characterized by self-righteousness and pride. He lists his religious accomplishments and compares himself favorably against others, particularly the tax collector. The Pharisee's focus is on his own perceived righteousness rather than on God’s mercy.

The Publican's Prayer

In stark contrast, the tax collector stood at a distance and "would not even look up to heaven, but beat his breast and said, 'God, have mercy on me, a sinner!'" (Luke 18:13). His posture and words reflect deep humility and repentance. Unlike the Pharisee, the publican acknowledges his sinfulness and pleads for God's mercy, recognizing his unworthiness before a holy God.

The Outcome

Jesus concludes the parable with a powerful statement: "I tell you, this man, rather than the other, went home justified before God. For everyone who exalts himself will be humbled, but the one who humbles himself will be exalted" (Luke 18:14). The tax collector, despite his social standing and past actions, is justified because of his humble and repentant heart. The Pharisee, despite his religious observance, is not justified because of his pride and self-reliance.

Theological Implications

This parable underscores the biblical principle that justification before God is not based on human merit or religious works but on a humble and contrite heart. It challenges the notion of self-righteousness and emphasizes the need for genuine repentance. The parable also highlights God's grace and mercy, which are extended to those who acknowledge their need for Him.

Application

The Parable of the Pharisee and the Publican serves as a timeless reminder for believers to examine their own hearts and attitudes. It calls Christians to approach God with humility, recognizing their own sinfulness and dependence on His grace. It also warns against the dangers of pride and self-righteousness, encouraging believers to seek God's mercy and to extend grace to others.Luke 18:9-14
And he spoke this parable to certain which trusted in themselves that they were righteous, and despised others:
Torrey's Topical Textbook

The Parables of the Importunate Widow, and of the Pharisee and the ...
... Chapter XXXVI."The Parables of the Importunate Widow, and of the Pharisee and the
Publican Christ's Answer to the Rich Ruler, the Cure of the Blind Man. ...
/.../tertullian/the five books against marcion/chapter xxxvi the parables of the.htm

The Three Last Parables of the Per??an Series: the Unrighteous ...
... is perhaps the most common in Jewish Parables, and occurs ... And once more, as between
the Pharisee and the ... is sharp contrast, and the lesson which Christ had so ...
/.../the life and times of jesus the messiah/chapter xix the three last.htm

Chronological Table of the Life of Christ [From Andrews. ]
... Peter's confession that he is the Christ: the transfiguration ... and Galilee; healing
of ten lepers; parables of the unjust judge, and of Pharisee and publican ...
/.../the new testament commentary vol iii john/chronological table of the life.htm

The Four-Fold Gospel
... XCVII. Parable of the Pharisee and Publican. XCVIII. ... The Second Coming of Christ.
CXV. Conclusion of Our Lord's Discourse. Parables of Virgins and Talents. ...
//christianbookshelf.org/mcgarvey/the four-fold gospel/

The Pharisee and the Publican.
The Parables of Our Lord. <. ... With the forgiveness that comes through Christ,
the Pharisee would have been accepted; but wanting it, the publican ...
/.../arnot/the parables of our lord/xxix the pharisee and the.htm

Second Great Group of Parables.
... to portray that of the professedly religious; ie, he turns from the publican to
the Pharisee. ... The first two parables depict the efforts of Christ in the ...
/.../mcgarvey/the four-fold gospel/xcii second great group of 4.htm

The Life and Times of Jesus the Messiah
... THREE LAST PARABLES OF THE PER??AN SERIES: THE UNRIGHTEOUS JUDGE - THE SELF-RIGHTEOUS
PHARISEE AND THE PUBLICAN - THE UNMERCIFUL SERVANT. CHAPTER XX. CHRIST'S ...
//christianbookshelf.org/edersheim/the life and times of jesus the messiah/

Christ's Different Modes of Reply to those who Questioned his ...
... the first class may be placed the parables which are ... to which, from the occasion
on which Christ uttered it ... The line of distinction between the Pharisee and the ...
/.../section 142 christs different modes.htm

The Gospel According to St. Luke
... Parables to {78} illustrate Christ's care for the ... Answer to prayer, the Pharisee
and publican, little children, the rich young man, Christ's third ...
/.../pullan/the books of the new testament/chapter v the gospel according.htm

Index.
... Parable, idea of, 107; use of by Christ, 102, 104. Parables, of the kingdom of God,
85; order of in ... in old bottles, 205; prodigal son, 214; Pharisee and publican ...
/.../neander/the life of jesus christ in its historical connexion/index 2.htm

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