Luke 18:10 – “Two men went up to the temple to pray, one a Pharisee and the other a tax collector.”
Extended Explanation
This verse sets the stage for the parable Jesus tells to illustrate the difference between self-righteousness and humility before God. The two men mentioned could not be more different in the eyes of Jewish society. The Pharisee represents the religious elite, someone respected and admired for his strict obedience to the law. On the other hand, the tax collector is seen as a sinner, someone despised for working with the Roman government and exploiting his fellow Jews.
By placing these two men side by side in the same setting—the temple—Jesus creates a contrast that challenges societal expectations. The temple was the most sacred place for Jews to worship and pray, symbolizing God’s presence and the place where sacrifices were made for sin. The fact that both men came to pray highlights a key point of the parable: outward status doesn’t determine a person’s standing before God. What matters is the condition of the heart.
Historical Context
During the time of Jesus, the temple in Jerusalem was central to religious life. Jews would go there for daily prayers, sacrifices, and festivals. Praying at the temple was seen as a way to draw closer to God, and public displays of piety were common.
Pharisees were known for their strict interpretation of the law and their commitment to religious rituals. They were often respected as spiritual leaders and considered examples of righteousness. However, many Pharisees placed more importance on external obedience than on the inner transformation of the heart.
Tax collectors, on the other hand, were considered traitors because they worked for the Roman authorities, collecting taxes and often taking more than what was required to enrich themselves. They were seen as morally corrupt and spiritually unclean. To the average Jew, a Pharisee would have been expected to be righteous, while a tax collector would have been assumed to be a sinner beyond redemption.
Theological Implications
This verse introduces the parable’s core message: God’s view of righteousness is different from human standards. While people often judge others based on external appearances, God looks at the heart (1 Samuel 16:7). The Pharisee and the tax collector represent two different approaches to God—one based on pride and self-reliance, the other based on humility and repentance.
This parable teaches that no amount of good works can make someone right with God. True righteousness comes from recognizing one’s need for God’s mercy. The Pharisee, confident in his own righteousness, represents those who rely on their works to earn God’s favor. The tax collector, who acknowledges his sin and asks for mercy, represents those who come to God with a humble and repentant heart.
Literary Analysis
The structure of this verse is simple but significant. By introducing both the Pharisee and the tax collector in the same sentence, Jesus immediately sets up a comparison. The use of contrast is a common literary technique in Jesus’ parables, and here it serves to challenge the audience’s assumptions.
The phrase “went up to the temple to pray” indicates that both men had the same outward purpose—seeking God through prayer. However, their internal motivations and attitudes are vastly different, as the parable will reveal. This contrast is central to the story’s message about humility and grace.
Biblical Cross-References
- 1 Samuel 16:7 – “The Lord does not look at the things people look at. People look at the outward appearance, but the Lord looks at the heart.”
- Isaiah 57:15 – “For this is what the high and exalted One says—he who lives forever, whose name is holy: ‘I live in a high and holy place, but also with the one who is contrite and lowly in spirit, to revive the spirit of the lowly and to revive the heart of the contrite.'”
- Psalm 51:17 – “My sacrifice, O God, is a broken spirit; a broken and contrite heart you, God, will not despise.”
- Micah 6:8 – “He has shown you, O mortal, what is good. And what does the Lord require of you? To act justly and to love mercy and to walk humbly with your God.”
These verses highlight God’s preference for humility, repentance, and an honest heart over external religious displays.
What This Verse Means for Today’s Christian
For Christians today, this verse serves as a reminder that appearances don’t impress God. It’s not about how religious someone looks or how much they do for others—what matters is the heart’s posture toward God. Many Christians may be tempted to measure their spirituality by their church attendance, charitable work, or moral achievements. But Jesus is teaching that none of these things matter if they lead to pride instead of humility.
This verse also encourages believers to approach God with honesty. Like the tax collector, Christians are called to acknowledge their sin and depend on God’s mercy, not their own efforts. Prayer is not a performance; it’s a conversation with God that requires sincerity and humility.
How This Verse Relates to a Loving God
God’s love is evident in the fact that He welcomes both the Pharisee and the tax collector into His presence. Despite their different reputations, both men have access to God in the temple. This reflects the inclusive nature of God’s love—He is willing to listen to anyone who seeks Him, regardless of their past or status.
However, God’s love doesn’t leave people as they are. The tax collector’s prayer for mercy is an example of how God’s love leads to transformation. God loves people enough to forgive them, but He also desires to change their hearts so they can live in obedience to Him.
How This Verse Connects to Jesus Christ
Jesus, as the storyteller of this parable, is showing His audience the kind of heart that pleases God. But more importantly, Jesus Himself is the one who makes it possible for sinners to be forgiven. Through His death and resurrection, Jesus took the punishment for sin and made it possible for people to be justified before God—not by their own works but by faith in Him (Romans 3:22-24).
The tax collector’s plea for mercy points to the need for grace, which is fully provided through Jesus. Without Jesus, there would be no way for sinners to be made right with God. He is the ultimate mediator who bridges the gap between a holy God and sinful humanity (1 Timothy 2:5-6).
Questions for Reflection and Discussion
- How do you approach God in prayer—humbly, like the tax collector, or with a sense of entitlement, like the Pharisee?
- What are some areas in your life where you may be relying on your own efforts instead of God’s grace?
- How can this parable help you avoid judging others based on appearances or outward behavior?
- In what ways does Jesus’ sacrifice on the cross change the way you think about righteousness?
- How can you develop a more humble and honest relationship with God in your daily prayers?