The parable of the Pharisee and the Publican, taken from Jesus' teaching and found in the Gospel according to Luke (Luke 18:9-14), is a poignant story that highlights the nature of prayer, repentance and the attitude of the heart towards God.
The story begins with Jesus addressing a group, telling a parable about two men who go up to the temple to pray. The first is a Pharisee, a respected member of the religious society of the day, known for his zeal towards the Law of Moses. The second is a publican, a tax collector regarded as a public sinner and despised by Jewish society at the time.
The Pharisee, full of confidence in his own righteousness, stands and prays thus: "O God, I thank you that I am not like the rest of men, who are rapacious, unjust, adulterous, or even like this publican. I fast twice a week, I give tithes of all my income."
On the other hand, the publican, standing at a distance, does not even dare raise his eyes to heaven, but beats his breast, saying, "O God, be appeased to me, a sinner!"
Jesus concludes the parable by emphasising that it is the publican, and not the Pharisee, who is justified before God. He explains that everyone who exalts himself will be humbled, and he who humbles himself will be exalted.
This parable reveals profound spiritual truths. The Pharisee represents those who, confident in their own works and merits, consider themselves righteous before God. His arrogance shines through in his prayer, where he compares himself favourably with others and highlights his good deeds. However, this self-justifying attitude is rejected by Jesus.
On the other hand, the publican embodies humility and recognition of his own sinful condition. He does not even dare to raise his eyes to heaven, but his sincere prayer expresses deep repentance and dependence on divine grace. It is this humble attitude that finds favour in God's eyes.
The parable of the Pharisee and the Publican highlights the nature of justification before God. It is not based on our own merits, but on the grace of God received through faith. It warns against spiritual pride and emphasises the importance of humility and repentance in our relationship with God.
Over the centuries, this parable has been meditated on and taught in Christian communities throughout the world. It continues to inspire believers to approach God with humility, to recognise their dependence on His grace and to avoid any sense of moral superiority. It remains a timeless reminder of the transformative nature of human prayer, which finds its foundation in humility, repentance and trust in divine mercy.
