The Pharisee and The Tax Collector

The Pharisee and The Tax Collector
(Jesus told this story to those who are sure of their own goodness and despise those they think are sinners)

Two men went to the Temple to pray. One was a proud, self-righteous Pharisee, and the other a cheating tax collector.

The proud Pharisee "prayed" this prayer: Thank God, I am not a sinner like everyone else; especially like that tax collector over there! For I never cheat, I don't commit adultery, I go without food twice a week, and I give to God a tenth of everything I earn.

But the corrupt tax collector stood at a distance and dared not even lift his eyes to heaven as he prayed, but beat upon his chest in sorrow, exclaiming, God, be merciful to me, a sinner.

I tell you, this sinner, not the Pharisee, returned home forgiven! For the proud shall be humbled, but the humble shall be honored.--Luke 18:10-14 Living Bible

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