Luke 18:9-14 The Pharisee and the Tax Collector

March 22, 2025

Summary

In this parable, Jesus contrasts two men—a Pharisee and a tax collector—who go to the temple to pray.
The Pharisee represents the religious elite, confident in his own righteousness, while the tax collector is a despised public sinner, aware of his unworthiness before God.
Jesus tells this story to those who “trusted in themselves that they were righteous and viewed others with contempt” (Luke 18:9).

It speaks to the truth that all of our good works don’t save us. The law reveals sin but it can never remove sin. Only Jesus can do that!

A simple message on how we are saved by faith, not works. It provides the assurance of our salvation.

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