This is a simplified version of the Bible story found in Luke 18:10-14, written for children to understand. For the original version, please refer to the Bible passage.
Once, Jesus told a story to some people who thought they were very good and looked down on others. The story goes like this:
There were two men who went to the temple to pray. One of them was a Pharisee and the other was a tax collector. The Pharisee stood by himself and prayed like this: “God, I thank you that I’m not like other people who do bad things like steal, cheat, or do bad things with married people. And I also fast two times a week and give a tenth of everything I earn to God.”
The other man, the tax collector, stood far away from the Pharisee and wouldn’t even look up to heaven. He felt very bad about himself and just kept hitting his chest and saying, “God, please have mercy on me. I am a sinner.”
Jesus told the people that the tax collector was the one who went home forgiven, not the Pharisee. Jesus said that whoever thinks they’re better than others will end up being humbled, but the one who is humble will be lifted up.
Biblical Lessons
- We should never think that we’re better than others.
- Being humble is important.
- We should be honest about our mistakes and ask for forgiveness.
- God shows mercy to those who are sorry for their sins.
- Everyone can be forgiven if they ask for it sincerely.
Related Stories
The Parable of the Good Samaritan
The Parable of the Prodigal Son
The Parable of the Unforgiving Servant
Must-Read Christian Books
The Cross of Christ
A profound exploration of the meaning and power of the cross at the center of Christian faith and life.
View on Amazon
Chosen by God
A clear, pastoral explanation of biblical election and God's sovereignty in salvation.
View on Amazon
Evangelism and the Sovereignty of God
Shows how God's sovereignty in salvation fuels, rather than hinders, faithful evangelism.
View on Amazon
Scripture Alone
Explains and defends the authority and sufficiency of Scripture over all human traditions.
View on Amazon
Finally Alive
A biblical exploration of the new birth and why regeneration is at the heart of the Christian life.
View on Amazon
The Trellis and the Vine
A vision for church ministry centered on disciple-making rather than mere structures and programs.
View on Amazon
Redemption Accomplished and Applied
A concise, biblical study of Christ's atonement and the application of salvation to believers.
View on Amazon
Spiritual Leadership
Biblical principles for godly leadership in the church, home, and workplace.
View on Amazon
The Heidelberg Catechism
A beloved Reformation catechism that teaches comfort in Christ through a Q&A format.
View on Amazon
Biblical Preaching
Introduces the "big idea" approach to expository sermons, rooted in the biblical text.
View on Amazon
Christ-Centered Worship
Traces historic worship patterns and shows how to shape Christ-focused services today.
View on Amazon
Total Truth
Equips believers to see all of life through a biblical worldview and challenge secular thinking.
View on Amazon
The Freedom of Self-Forgetfulness
Shows how the gospel frees us from self-obsession to live in joy and service.
View on Amazon
Christian Mission in the Modern World
Clarifies key biblical concepts like evangelism, mission, and social action.
View on Amazon
Shepherding a Child's Heart
Biblical parenting that aims at a child's heart, not just outward behavior.
View on Amazon
This Momentary Marriage
Shows how marriage is designed to display the covenant love of Christ and His church.
View on Amazon
The Peacemaker
Biblical principles for resolving conflict in a way that honors Christ and reconciles people.
View on Amazon