Day 12 - The Parable of the Pharisee and the Tax Collector

Reading Passage: Luke 18:9-14

As we read the Parable of the Pharisee and the Tax Collector, we’ll learn that while obedience to the law is commendable, it can set one up to fall into a dangerous trap. 

It can lead to boasting in one's own righteousness (right-standing with God) as opposed to one who is humble, or not self-righteous and knows they fall short of God’s law. 

Comparing ourselves to others, to justify our current state, can lead to a false sense of confidence and self-justification in which the work of Jesus Christ is diminished. 

Jesus said it best at the end of our passage, “For all those who exalt themselves will be humbled, and those who humble themselves will be exalted,” (vs. 14, NIV)

As you read the Parable of the Pharisee and the Tax Collector in Luke 18:9-14 what do you learn about humility?

Reminder: To understand the heart of Jesus’ parable here, read before and after the parable to identify the original audience Jesus was talking to and cultural reference points and characters they would have understood. Also observe the ending, which often had an unexpected twist that Jesus desired the audience to notice most.