Story 96 of 100 · Based on Luke 18:9-14
The Pharisee and the Tax Collector
Jesus told this parable to some who thought they were very good and looked down on everyone else:
—Two men went up to the temple to pray, one a Pharisee and the other a tax collector.
The Pharisee stood and prayed like this: "God, I thank you that I am not like other people, or even like this tax collector. I fast twice a week and give a tenth of all I get."
The tax collector, on the other hand, stood at a distance. He would not even look up to heaven. He beat his breast and said: "God, have mercy on me, a sinner."
Jesus finished by saying:
—I tell you that this man went home forgiven, and not the other. For all those who exalt themselves will be humbled, and those who humble themselves will be exalted.
God likes us to be sincere and humble when we speak with him.
Let's talk: How do you speak to God when you make a mistake?
God listens with love to those who speak to him sincerely. Goodnight.