The Parable of the Pharisee and the Tax Collector is one of the most well-known teachings of Jesus, found in the Gospel of Luke. It offers valuable lessons about humility, self-righteousness, and the importance of repentance. This story is often told to children in schools or Sunday schools because of its simple yet profound message. In this topic, we will explore the meaning of the parable, its relevance to children, and the key lessons it teaches.
The Parable of the Pharisee and the Tax Collector
1. The Setting of the Parable
In the Parable of the Pharisee and the Tax Collector, Jesus describes a scene where two men go to the temple to pray. One is a Pharisee, a member of a religious group that is known for following the law strictly. The other is a tax collector, someone often disliked by society for working for the Roman government and taking more money than necessary from people.
2. The Pharisee’s Prayer
The Pharisee stands confidently and prays loudly, thanking God that he is not like other people. He boasts about his good deeds and religious practices, such as fasting and giving a tenth of his income. He looks down on the tax collector, considering himself morally superior.
3. The Tax Collector’s Prayer
On the other hand, the tax collector stands at a distance, feeling unworthy. He doesn’t even look up to heaven. Instead, he beats his chest and prays, “God, have mercy on me, a sinner.” He acknowledges his flaws and asks for forgiveness, showing true humility.
4. The Outcome
Jesus concludes the parable by saying that the tax collector, not the Pharisee, went home justified before God. This teaches that those who humble themselves and ask for forgiveness are more righteous in God’s eyes than those who are self-righteous.
Key Lessons from the Parable
1. The Importance of Humility
The parable teaches children the importance of humility. The tax collector’s humble prayer shows that acknowledging one’s mistakes and asking for forgiveness is more important than boasting about one’s good deeds. Humility means recognizing that we all make mistakes and need help, and that nobody is perfect.
2. Self-Righteousness vs. True Righteousness
The Pharisee’s prayer is an example of self-righteousness, where a person feels superior to others because of their actions. This type of attitude can lead to judgment and pride. In contrast, the tax collector’s prayer reflects true righteousness—recognizing one’s faults, being sorry for them, and seeking to improve.
3. God’s Mercy and Forgiveness
One of the central messages of the parable is that God is merciful and ready to forgive anyone who genuinely repents. It doesn’t matter how many mistakes we’ve made or how much we’ve messed up—God’s love and forgiveness are always available to those who ask with a sincere heart.
4. The Dangers of Pride
The Pharisee’s pride blinds him to his own shortcomings and makes him judgmental of others. Pride can lead to a lack of compassion and understanding, and it keeps us from growing spiritually. The parable encourages children to avoid the trap of pride and instead embrace kindness and humility.
Why This Parable Matters for Kids
1. A Lesson in Empathy
For children, understanding the importance of not judging others is crucial. The Pharisee’s attitude teaches us that we should never look down on others for their mistakes or differences. Instead, we should be empathetic and try to understand their struggles. Just like the tax collector, everyone has the potential to change and grow.
2. Building Character Through Reflection
This parable encourages children to reflect on their own behavior. Are they proud and boastful like the Pharisee, or do they recognize when they’ve done something wrong and seek forgiveness? Teaching kids about repentance and humility helps them develop strong moral values that will guide them throughout their lives.
3. Learning the Power of Prayer
The story also teaches children about the power of prayer. Just like the tax collector, children can approach God in prayer with an open heart. They don’t need to be perfect or have everything figured out—they just need to be sincere in their requests for help, forgiveness, and guidance.
How to Teach This Parable to Kids
1. Use Simple Language
When teaching this parable to younger children, it’s essential to use simple and clear language. Focus on explaining the key concepts of humility, self-righteousness, and forgiveness in ways that children can understand and relate to. You might say, “The Pharisee thought he was better than others, but the tax collector was sorry for what he had done and asked for God’s help.”
2. Discuss the Characters
Help children relate to the characters in the story. Ask questions like, “How would you feel if you were the tax collector?” or “What do you think the Pharisee could have done differently?” This encourages kids to think critically about the story and its message.
3. Encourage Reflection
After telling the story, encourage children to reflect on their own lives. Have them think about times when they may have been proud or judgmental and how they could do better. You might ask, “What is something you can do this week to be more humble?”
4. Practice Prayer
Since the parable highlights the power of prayer, guide children in saying a simple prayer, asking for God’s help to be humble and kind. Encourage them to make their own prayers, even if they’re simple, as this helps build a personal connection with God.
The Parable of the Pharisee and the Tax Collector teaches an essential life lesson about humility, repentance, and the importance of not judging others. For children, this parable is an excellent way to introduce values such as empathy, self-reflection, and the importance of seeking forgiveness when we make mistakes. By understanding the message of this parable, children can develop a sense of humility and gratitude, as well as a deeper understanding of God’s love and mercy.