The Pharisee and the Tax Collector
Two men pray in the temple. The Pharisee boasts about his righteousness; the tax collector humbly begs for mercy. Jesus says the humble man went home justified.
Luke 18:9-14
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The Story
To some who were confident of their own righteousness and looked down on everyone 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 by himself and prayed: "God, I thank you that I am not like other people—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 all those who exalt themselves will be humbled, and those who humble themselves will be exalted.'
Two Men Pray
Kids Version
Some people thought they were better than everyone else. So Jesus told them this story:
Two men went to the temple to pray.
The first man was a Pharisee—a super religious guy. He stood up tall where everyone could see him.
'God, THANK YOU that I'm not like other people! I'm not a cheater or a liar. I'm definitely not like THAT guy over there—that tax collector! I fast twice a week. I give lots of money to the temple. I'm pretty great!'
He wasn't really praying to God. He was bragging about HIMSELF!
The second man was a tax collector. In those days, tax collectors were hated because they often cheated people. This man knew he had done wrong things.
He stood far away. He wouldn't even look up to heaven. He beat his chest sadly and prayed:
'God... have mercy on me. I'm a sinner.'
That's ALL he said.
Jesus asked, 'Which man went home right with God?'
Not the proud Pharisee! The humble tax collector!
The Pharisee thought he was SO good that he didn't need God's help. The tax collector knew he was a sinner and asked for mercy.
God doesn't want us to brag about how good we are. He wants us to be humble and admit we need Him. When we ask for God's mercy, He gives it!
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Scripture — Luke 18:9-14 (KJV)
9And he spake this parable unto certain which trusted in themselves that they were righteous, and despised others: that: or, as being righteous
10Two men went up into the temple to pray; the one a Pharisee, and the other a publican.
11The Pharisee stood and prayed thus with himself, God, I thank thee, that I am not as other men are, extortioners, unjust, adulterers, or even as this publican.
12I fast twice in the week, I give tithes of all that I possess.
13And the publican, standing afar off, would not lift up so much as his eyes unto heaven, but smote upon his breast, saying, God be merciful to me a sinner.
14I 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.
Memory Verse
“And he spake this parable unto certain which trusted in themselves that they were righteous, and despised others: that: or, as being righteous”
— Luke 18:9 (KJV)
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Frequently Asked Questions
What is the story of “The Pharisee and the Tax Collector” in the Bible?
Two men pray in the temple. The Pharisee boasts about his righteousness; the tax collector humbly begs for mercy. Jesus says the humble man went home justified. This story is found in Luke 18:9-14.
Where is “The Pharisee and the Tax Collector” found in the Bible?
“The Pharisee and the Tax Collector” is found in Luke 18:9-14, in the book of Luke.
What can children learn from “The Pharisee and the Tax Collector”?
This story teaches children about Humility, Pride, Prayer, God's mercy. Two men went to pray. One bragged about how good he was. The other just said, 'God, please forgive me!' Jesus said the humble one was right with God—not the proud one!