The Pharisee and the Tax Collector

Luke 18:9-14
9 He also told this parable to some who trusted in themselves that they were righteous, and treated others with contempt: 10 “Two men went up into the temple to pray, one a Pharisee and the other a tax collector. 11 The Pharisee, standing by himself, prayed thus: ‘God, I thank you that I am not like other men, extortioners, unjust, adulterers, or even like this tax collector. 12 I fast twice a week; I give tithes of all that I get.’ 13 But the tax collector, standing far off, would not even lift up his eyes to heaven, but beat his breast, saying, ‘God, be merciful to me, a sinner!’ 14 I tell you, this man went down to his house justified, rather than the other. For everyone who exalts himself will be humbled, but the one who humbles himself will be exalted.”

Appearances can be deceiving. Indeed, Luke’s Gospel is notorious for taking established social norms and expectations and turning them upside down. One would expect that the prayers of the righteous Pharisee would catch the ear of God. But the hated tax collector? Surely not. Tax collectors held an especially disliked status in society—many of them had turned their backs to their heritage and planted themselves squarely in the pocket of Rome. Thus, we can imagine the surprise the first hearers of this parable experienced when they learned that it was the humble tax collector who “went down to his house justified”, while the proud Pharisee received no such affirmation from Jesus.

Perhaps the most glaring difference between these two men is the focus of their prayers. The Pharisee is presented as thinking his justification rests in all the righteous deeds in which he had engaged. On the other hand, the tax collector places his hope for justification at the feet of God’s mercy. The parable serves as a not-so-subtle reminder that we are powerless to justify ourselves. However, we serve a God whose mercies are infinite; a God who desires to pour out mercy upon all creation. Therefore, we can take comfort in the prayer of the tax collector. A humble plea for justification never goes unheard by an all-loving God.

Prayer: God of infinite love and mercy, may we find peace in the fact that you are always faithful. Teach us to rest in your mercy, and live with the confidence that we are your beloved children. Amen.

Scott Grantland,
Duke Divinity Intern