Pharisee and the Publican
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The Parable of the Pharisee and the Publican was given by Jesus in the New Testament (Luke). The lesson teaches the value of displaying humility by seeking forgiveness for one's sins over displaying pride at one's own self righteousness.
During the first century, Pharisees were men of high standing in the religious community and were well known for their strict adherence to the Law of Moses. On the other hand, publicans were Jews who collaborated with the Roman Empire. Because they were best known for collecting taxes they are commonly described as tax collectors. In the parable, Jesus presents these two men in the context of the popular stereotype of the time.
The Pharisee represents those who follow the religious law to the letter while the publican represents those who are knowingly sinful. The lesson teaches that the Pharisee, despite his many good works, is held back by pride while the publican who humbly admits his faults to God is the one whose prayer is accepted.
| To some who were confident of their own righteousness and looked down on everybody else, Jesus told this parable: "Two men went up to the temple to pray, one a Pharisee and the other a tax collector. The Pharisee stood up and prayed about himself: 'God, I thank you that I am not like other men—robbers, evildoers, adulterers—or even like this tax collector. I fast twice a week and give a tenth of all I get.' But the tax collector stood at a distance. He would not even look up to heaven, but beat his breast and said, 'God, have mercy on me, a sinner.' I tell you that this man, rather than the other, went home justified before God. For everyone who exalts himself will be humbled, and he who humbles himself will be exalted." |
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