A Pharisee and tax collector devotional centers on the shortest prayer in the parable. Luke 18:13 (ESV) says the tax collector “beat his breast, saying, ‘God, be merciful to me, a sinner!’” Jesus said this humble man, not the proud religious one, went home right with God. Mercy meets those who know they need it.
Key Verse
“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!’” (Luke 18:13, ESV)
Who the Parable Is For
Luke tells us exactly why Jesus told this story. He told it to people who were sure of their own goodness and looked down on everyone else (Luke 18:9). That audience is not only in the first century. Religious pride can grow in any heart.
The Pharisee’s Prayer
The Pharisee stood and prayed about himself. He thanked God that he was better than the cheats and adulterers around him, and better than the tax collector standing nearby. He listed his fasting and giving.
His prayer was mostly a speech about his own goodness. He compared himself with the worst people he could see and felt good. He never asked God for anything, because he did not think he needed anything.
The Tax Collector’s Prayer
The tax collector stood far off. He would not even lift his eyes to heaven. He beat his chest, a sign of deep grief, and asked for mercy. He made no excuses and offered no résumé.
The word for merciful carries the idea of atonement. He was asking God to deal with his sin and accept him anyway.
Justified
Jesus said the tax collector went home right with God, and the Pharisee did not. Justified means declared right with God. That is shocking. The respected man left unforgiven, and the despised man left accepted.
Jesus closed with a reversal: those who lift themselves up will be humbled and those who take the low place will be lifted up (Luke 18:14).
Where Are You Standing?
It is easy to read this and think, thank God I am not like that Pharisee. But that is the Pharisee’s prayer all over again. The point is not to find someone else to look down on. It is to come to God with empty hands.
The gospel is good news for sinners, and only sinners. When you know you need mercy, you’re in the right place to receive it.
Today, Try This
Pray the tax collector’s prayer slowly each morning this week. Then, when you catch yourself comparing yourself favorably with someone, stop and pray for that person instead.
Reflection Question
In what ways do you compare yourself with others to feel right with God?
Prayer
Lord, I come as a sinner who needs your mercy. I have no goodness of my own to offer. Thank you for Jesus, who makes sinners right with you. Keep me from pride and contempt for others, and keep me humble before you. In Jesus’ name, amen.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the parable of the Pharisee and the tax collector about?
In Luke 18:9-14, Jesus contrasts a proud Pharisee who boasts in prayer with a tax collector who humbly asks for mercy. The humble man goes home justified before God.
What does Luke 18:13 mean?
Luke 18:13 (ESV) describes the tax collector’s humble prayer for mercy. It shows that God accepts those who admit their sin and trust his mercy rather than their own goodness.
Who was the parable directed to?
Luke says Jesus aimed it at people who were confident in their own goodness and looked down on others.
Keep Reading
- Explore more: the parables of Jesus
- Read more daily devotionals
- The narrow way: what the narrow gate means (Matthew 7:13-14)
- Related: read: Zacchaeus Bible Study
- Related: Pharisee and the Tax Collector Meaning
- Related: Devotional on Pride
- Related: Magnificat Meaning
- Bible Verses by Topic