“Everyone who exalts himself will be humbled, but the one who humbles himself will be
exalted.” Luke 18:14 HCSB

We were sitting in a Bible study with five other couples. Part of our study that day led us to a
time of confession and repentance of sinful behavior we were holding onto that might be
keeping us at arm’s length in our relationship with God. As we went around the circle, tears
coursed down our faces as we humbled ourselves before each other and God. Finally, it was the
last couple’s turn to share. The woman took a deep breath, sat straight up in her chair, and
declared, “I have nothing to confess. I’m thankful to God that I have led a pure and holy life and
have done nothing wrong.” One of the group members said, “Then I suggest you check your
pride at the door. Otherwise, you have no place here. It’s just for us sinners.”

This scene has played an enormous part in my life since that moment over 20 years ago. God
calls it to my remembrance when I get a little “puffed up” with pride and my self-righteous
tendencies. Maybe that’s why Jesus taught His disciples the Parable of the Pharisee and the Tax
Collector. But, unlike room settings, Jesus often taught His disciples as they walked and sat out
in the open. During this particular time of teaching, a group of Pharisees joined them (Luke
17:20).

Pharisees were a group of highly educated scholars who wore their piety of devoutness and
religiosity as a badge of honor. They openly prayed loudly in the streets and temple and
frequently fasted, drawing attention to themselves. They studied God’s law, exercising their
knowledge many times, challenging Jesus repeatedly through His earthly ministry. Their one
glaring sin was that of pride.2 “The Pharisee took his stand and was praying like this: God, I
thank You that I’m not like other people-greedy, unrighteous, adulterers, or even like this tax
collector. I fast twice a week; I give a tenth of everything I get.” (vv. 11-12)

Standing off in the corner was the tax collector. This man, known for his extortion, working on
behalf of the Roman government, and excising taxes from his fellow citizens at exorbitant rates, was
unliked by society. Through Jesus’ ministry, He often ate and socialized with this group of men
synonymously coupled with “sinners,” even choosing a tax collector for one of His disciples.
(Luke 5:29-31).

The tax collector was overcome with sin, refusing to lift his eyes to heaven. Instead, he beat his
chest with great remorse and grief, begging God to forgive him. In a brief prayer of repentance,
Jesus told His disciples and the listening group of Pharisees that this one, this despicable tax
collector, went away justified, but not the Pharisees. The tax collector’s humility of spirit was
beautiful to God. “Jesus replied to them: I have not come to call the righteous, but sinners to
repentance” (Luke 5:31). AJW