Lessons from the Parable of the Pharisee and Tax Collector

In the Parable of the Pharisee and Tax Collector, a Pharisee and tax collector both pray. The Pharisee approaches God with a self-righteous attitude whereas the tax collector approaches God with a repentant and humble heart. God is more pleased with the humble heart of the tax collector than the prideful heart of the Pharisee.

Parable of the Pharisee and the Tax Collector Lessons

1. Beware of overconfidence

The parable begins by stating exactly who the intended audience is, that is, those who were confident of their righteousness and looked down on others.

The Pharisees were a religious people. They focused on upholding the laws. But they missed the mark in many ways, as some of us do today. It’s easy to read about the Pharisees and scoff at their hypocritical ways. But we must be willing to take a serious look at ourselves, because it’s also easy to become overly confident in self-righteous ways, just as the Pharisees did.

We all have room for improvement in living our lives pleasing to God. May this reminder keep us from becoming overly confident in our righteousness.

2. Don’t look down on others

The Pharisees focused on upholding Jewish tradition to the letter of the law. They cared about how others perceived them, so they said and did the things that made them appear righteous and holy. They looked down upon those whose actions didn’t match up with their beliefs, in this case, the tax collectors (publicans), robbers, evildoers, and adulterers.

It’s not that the many ways in which the Pharisees upheld the laws weren’t good or acknowledged by God, because He does call us to live according to His laws. But the parable emphasizes and contrasts the humble, heartfelt, and apologetic plea of the tax collector. His simple, yet genuine contrite prayer exemplifies the sincerity and heartfelt relationship that God wants with all of us.

The Pharisees mistakenly scoffed at the tax collector when he actually had a more sincere relationship with God than they did.

3. God wants our heart

When such an important part of our relationship with God takes part in our hearts, we shouldn’t be quick to look down upon others based only on what we can see. The Pharisees made this mistake. God wants our hearts. He sees what’s inside. When we focus too much on our outward appearance, as the Pharisees did, we lose out on the beautiful relationship that happens when we seek Him with our hearts.

4. God chooses humility over pride

When we make the choice to follow Christ, it’s easy to become prideful or self-righteous for the ways we serve Him and live our lives. But pride is an evil idol that takes our hearts and minds down the wrong path and away from God. God loves humble servants who serve Him with their hearts.

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More Parables!

Do you love the parables as much as I do? You may enjoy reading life lessons on these others (listed below), these activities for adults and children, or this list of Parables and Meanings. More parable lessons are underway. See them all HERE!

Do you love journaling? Does writing down your personal reflections help you process your thoughts more fully? Perhaps these Christian writing journals will be helpful as you reflect on the life lessons of the parables.

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Photo by Ric Rodrigues.