The Parable of the Pharisee and the Tax Collector Meaning

In the parable, Jesus begins by describing two men who went up to the temple to pray. The first man is a Pharisee, a religious leader known for his piety and adherence to the law. He stands and prays, thanking God for his own righteousness and listing his righteous deeds, including fasting and tithing. He looks down on others, specifically mentioning the tax collector in his prayer.

The second man is a tax collector, a despised figure in Jewish society who was often seen as a traitor and a sinner. He stands at a distance and beats his breast, unable to even lift his eyes to heaven. He cries out a simple and humble prayer, asking for God’s mercy and acknowledging his own sinful state.

Jesus concludes the parable by stating that it was the tax collector, not the Pharisee, who went home justified before God. He emphasizes that those who exalt themselves will be humbled, but those who humble themselves will be exalted.