What is the context?
Luke again explains the audience and purpose before the story begins. Jesus speaks to people who trust in their own righteousness and look on others with contempt. The two men go to the temple to pray, but their prayers reveal very different ways of approaching God.
The Pharisee names other people’s wrongs and lists his own fasting and tithing. The tax collector stands at a distance, lowers his eyes, beats his breast and asks God for mercy. The contrast concerns where their confidence rests and how they regard themselves before God.
The tax collector’s request uses ἱλάσκομαι, hilaskomai (hee-LAHS-koh-my). Thayer explains the form used here as asking God to be gracious or merciful. The man appeals for mercy rather than offering a list of achievements. (Thayer, Greek 2433)
Jesus says that the tax collector, rather than the Pharisee, goes home justified. He concludes with the reversal that those who exalt themselves will be humbled, while those who humble themselves will be exalted.
How is this passage commonly understood?
Christian readings commonly understand this parable as a warning against self-righteousness and contempt, and a call to acknowledge sin and depend on God’s mercy. The Catholic bishops’ notes emphasize complete dependence on His grace; Wesley likewise understands the tax collector, rather than the man relying on his own righteousness, as the one who is justified. (USCCB notes on Luke 18:9–14; Wesley on Luke 18:9–14)
Where does this fit in God's plan?
Romans describes all people as falling short of God’s glory and being justified freely by grace through the redemption in Jesus Christ. It then excludes boasting. This supplies the wider account of salvation in Christ within which the tax collector’s appeal to mercy can be understood. (Romans 3:21–28)
James applies the same reversal of pride and humility to the life of believers, calling them to draw near to God, repent and humble themselves before Him. Receiving mercy continues to shape how God’s people live and approach Him. (James 4:6–10)
What is our position?
We don't have a position on this passage yet. When our study reaches a conclusion the text supports, it will appear here.