Luke 18:9-14 is the parable of the Pharisee and the tax collector.
Both the Pharisee and the tax collector are in the temple to pray.
The Pharisee says, “I thank you, God, that I am not a sinner like everyone else.”
That’s similar to people today saying, “I’m good enough. There are plenty of people worse than me. Of course, I’m going to heaven.”
It’s much better to be like the tax collector and say, “O God, be merciful to me, for I am a sinner.” For we have all sinned (fallen short of God’s glory).
The sinner is justified before God; the modern pharisee is not.
Those who exalt themselves will be humbled; those who humble themselves will be exalted.
