21 Days of Family Devotions - Day 14: Parable of the Pharisee and Tax Collector

Today’s lesson is about the parable of the pharisee and tax collector.

Read the Passage: Luke 18:9-14

[9] He also told this parable to some who trusted in themselves that they were righteous, and treated others with contempt: [10] “Two men went up into the temple to pray, one a Pharisee and the other a tax collector. [11] The Pharisee, standing by himself, prayed thus: ‘God, I thank you that I am not like other men, extortioners, unjust, adulterers, or even like this tax collector. [12] I fast twice a week; I give tithes of all that I get.’ [13] But the tax collector, standing far off, would not even lift up his eyes to heaven, but beat his breast, saying, ‘God, be merciful to me, a sinner!’ [14] I tell you, this man went down to his house justified, rather than the other. For everyone who exalts himself will be humbled, but the one who humbles himself will be exalted.”

Watch the Video:

Tell the Story: CLICK HERE to view the story slides

NOTE: If you click on the first slide it will go full screen and a script will be on the bottom of the screen.

Discuss the Questions:

Do you remember what a parable is? (A story Jesus told to illustrate/show a spiritual truth)
Do you know what a Pharisee is? (A Jewish Bible teacher who believed all you had to do to please God was keep the Law (10 Commandments)
Do you know what a tax collector is? (His job was to collect taxes from the people for the Roman government. Most were thieves who charged too much and kept money for themselves. They were hated by most of the Jewish people)
How did the Pharisee pray? (He bragged about himself)
How did the tax collector pray? (He was humble. He knew he was a sinner and asked God to forgive him. He wouldn’t even lift his head)
According to Jesus, which man’s prayer did God hear? (The Tax Collector)
Why do you think Jesus taught using this parable? (To teach us that God looks inside at our heart, not outside what we say. 1 Samuel 16:7 - But the LORD said to Samuel, “Do not look on his appearance or on the height of his stature, because I have rejected him. For the LORD sees not as man sees: man looks on the outward appearance, but the LORD looks on the heart.”)

Have some Fun: