THE PARABLE OF THE PHARISEE AND THE TAX COLLECTOR
Luke 18:9-14 (770)
Introduction
A. Our Lord told a parable in which He emphasized two types of attitudes: a prideful
attitude and humble attitude.
B. He gave the reason for His parable in v9. Comments from B.W. Johnson’s
commentary.
C. Let’s focus on two men and their prayers.
I. One man was a Pharisee. V10 “The separated one”
A. The Pharisees were religious leaders of their day, but engaged in hypocritical
practices (Matthew 6:5, p706; Matthew 23:5-6) and adhered to the “tradition of the
elders.” Matthew 15:1-3 (706)
II. The other man was a tax collector. V10
A. The tax collectors were despised by the Jews, and on the lower end of the social
level.
III. The prayer of the Pharisee was one of self congratulation. Lk. 18:11-12 (770)
A. He thanked God that he wasn’t like other men and was proud of what he didn’t do.
V11
B. Our religion shouldn’t consist of just prohibitions. Example: 1) Matthew 7:12 (708
The negative form: Positive:
2( Matthew 25:31-40 (726)
C. The Pharisee was proud of what he did. Lk. 18:12; Titus 3:4-5 (882)
IV. The tax collector’s prayer was an expression of his attitude of repentance. V13
A. His disposition. V13
B. His prayer.
Conclusion
A. Which man was justified according to Jesus? Luke 18:14
B. What does this parable teach us about our prayers? About our attitude?
