The Story Of The Tax Collector And The Pharisee
The story of the tax collector and the Pharisee is one of the many parables told by Jesus in the Bible. It is a story that teaches us about humility and the dangers of pride.
The Parable
In the parable, a Pharisee and a tax collector both went to the temple to pray. The Pharisee stood up and prayed about how good he was, thanking God that he was not like other people, especially like the tax collector. He boasted about how he fasted twice a week and gave a tenth of all his income to God.
The tax collector, on the other hand, stood at a distance and would not even look up to heaven. He beat his chest and prayed, "God, have mercy on me, a sinner."
Jesus then tells us that it was the tax collector who went home justified before God, not the Pharisee.
The Meaning
The story teaches us that it is not enough to obey the law and do good deeds. We must also have a humble heart and recognize our own sinfulness. The Pharisee in the story was so focused on his own righteousness that he failed to see his own faults. Meanwhile, the tax collector was honest about his shortcomings and asked for mercy.
Jesus was not saying that it is wrong to fast or give to God. Instead, he was emphasizing the importance of humility and acknowledging our need for God's grace.
Application Today
The story of the tax collector and the Pharisee is still relevant today. It reminds us that we must not be arrogant and judgmental towards others. Instead, we should approach God with a contrite heart and a willingness to acknowledge our own flaws.
It is easy to fall into the trap of thinking that we are better than others. We may be tempted to look down on those who do not share our beliefs or values. However, the story of the tax collector and the Pharisee calls us to show humility and love towards all people, regardless of their background or status.
Conclusion
The story of the tax collector and the Pharisee is a powerful reminder of the importance of humility in our lives. It teaches us that true righteousness comes from recognizing our own sinfulness and relying on God's grace. Let us strive to cultivate a humble heart and show compassion towards all people, just as Jesus did.