Parable of the Pharisee and the tax collector

The parable of the Pharisee and the tax collector, found in Luke 18:9-14, provides profound insights into human pride, humility, and justification before God.  This parable underscores critical doctrines such as sola fide (justification by faith alone), human depravity, and the necessity of God’s grace.

The Pharisee: A Picture of Self-Righteousness

The Pharisee in the parable represents those who trust in their own righteousness to earn favor with God. He stands in the temple, praying about himself, listing his religious achievements: fasting twice a week and tithing beyond the law’s requirements.  This reflects the sinful tendency of humanity to rely on works rather than grace for justification. This mindset reveals a misunderstanding of the nature of God’s law, which demands perfect obedience not only outwardly but also inwardly.

The Pharisee’s attitude illustrates legalism and pride, which are condemned in in the Doctrines of Grace. His comparison of himself to others, particularly the tax collector, shows his reliance on relative morality rather than God’s absolute standard of holiness. This self-righteousness blinds him to his own sin and need for God’s mercy.

The Tax Collector: A Model of Humble Repentance

The tax collector, despised in Jewish society as a traitor and sinner, stands at a distance, unwilling even to lift his eyes to heaven. His prayer is simple and heartfelt: “God, be merciful to me, a sinner.” This posture of humility reflects a recognition of his utter unworthiness before God and his dependence on divine grace.

This emphasizes that the tax collector’s prayer aligns with the doctrine of total depravity. He acknowledges his sinfulness and inability to save himself, throwing himself entirely on God’s mercy. His posture and words mirror the attitude of a heart transformed by the Holy Spirit, who convicts sinners of their sin and leads them to repentance (John 16:8).

Justification by Faith Alone

Jesus concludes the parable by declaring that the tax collector, not the Pharisee, went home justified before God. This is a cornerstone of salvation: justification is by faith alone, not by works (Romans 3:28). The tax collector is declared righteous because he trusts in God’s mercy, not in his own deeds. His justification is an act of God’s grace, entirely unmerited, reflecting sola gratia (grace alone).

In contrast, the Pharisee’s outwardly impressive religious deeds are insufficient for justification because they stem from pride and self-reliance. This reinforces the teaching that even the best human works are tainted by sin and cannot earn salvation (Isaiah 64:6).

Lessons for Believers

The parable challenges believers to examine their hearts. Are they relying on their own righteousness, or are they humbly trusting in God’s grace? It calls Christians to repentance and a deep recognition of their need for Christ’s atoning work.

Ultimately, this parable highlights the glory of God’s grace in salvation, exalting the humble and bringing low the proud. It teaches that only those who confess their sin and trust in God’s mercy will be justified, giving all glory to God alone.