He then addressed this parable to those who were convinced of their own righteousness and despised everyone else. 10 “Two people went up to the temple area to pray; one was a Pharisee and the other was a tax collector. 11 The Pharisee took up his position and spoke this prayer to himself, ‘O God, I thank you that I am not like the rest of humanity—greedy, dishonest, adulterous—or even like this tax collector. 12 I fast twice a week, and I pay tithes on my whole income.’ 13 But the tax collector stood off at a distance and would not even raise his eyes to heaven but beat his breast and prayed, ‘O God, be merciful to me a sinner.’ 14 I tell you, the latter went home justified, not the former; for everyone who exalts himself will be humbled, and the one who humbles himself will be exalted.”
15 People were bringing even infants to him that he might touch them, and when the disciples saw this, they rebuked them. 16 Jesus, however, called the children to himself and said, “Let the children come to me and do not prevent them; for the kingdom of God belongs to such as these. 17 Amen, I say to you, whoever does not accept the kingdom of God like a child will not enter it.”
The Pharisees were known for their rigorous adherence to the Mosaic Law and oral traditions (Matt. 23:23-24). Their strict interpretation of the law often led to a sense of moral and spiritual superiority (see Jn. 7:49). They held contempt for those they perceived as ignorant or incapable of following the law as rigorously as they did. The Pharisees often held disdain for Gentiles, seeing them as outside God's covenant with Israel, and viewed certain Jewish groups, such as tax collectors and sinners, as morally and religiously inferior (Lk. 5:30). Sinners were generally Jews who did not strictly adhere to the Pharisaic interpretation of the law—such as dietary restrictions, ritual purity, and Sabbath observance—or who engaged in lifestyles explicitly prohibited by the Torah such as adulterers, prostitutes, thieves and those who are dishonest (Ex. 20:14, Lev. 20:10; Ex. 20:15, Lev. 19:11).
Jesus’ parable targets self-righteous individuals who look down on others. It critiques a spiritual pride that blinds one to their own need for God's mercy. The Pharisee, who represents those held in high religious regard, and the tax collector, who symbolizes sinners and societal outcasts, went to the sacred temple area to pray. In his arrogant prayer, the Pharisee congratulates himself for being righteous rather than directing his prayer towards God. Jesus warns against comparing oneself to others because it fosters pride (Mt. 5:3). The Pharisee boasts about exceeding Mosaic Law's requirements about fasting (Lev. 16:29 mandates fasting only on the Day of Atonement), and his meticulous tithing (Num. 18:21-24). In contrast, the tax collector humbly and contritely acknowledged his sinfulness and absolute dependence on God’s mercy. His posture and prayer reflect an awareness of his unworthiness and a plea for divine forgiveness (cf. Ps. 51:1-4), underscoring the heart of true repentance. Jesus declared that the tax collector was justified, meaning he was made right with God by his humble repentance (cf. James 4:6).
Following Jewish tradition, parents sought blessings for their children (Gen. 48:14). However, in the societal context of the time, children were not seen as significant contributors because they lacked status, authority, and autonomy. The disciples rebuked them, perhaps believing that Jesus’ time should not be 'wasted' on children. In response, Jesus called the children to himself and explained to the disciples that the Kingdom of God requires childlike qualities such as trust, dependence, humility, and openness to his teaching (cf. Matt. 18:3). Jesus concluded that whoever does not embrace the Kingdom of God with the simplicity, faith, and trust of a child cannot enter it, underscoring the need for complete reliance on God’s grace.
Almighty God, teach us humility and trust, that we may approach You with repentant hearts and childlike faith. Help us to recognize our need for Your mercy and to welcome Your Kingdom with openness and love. This we pray through Christ our Lord. Amen!
Sources
- McSorley, Joseph. An Outline History of the Church by Centuries (From St. Peter to Pius XII). 2nd ed., B. Herder Book Co., 1944.
- Orchard, Bernard, et al. A Catholic Commentary on Holy Scripture. Feb. 1953.
- Chiu, José Enrique Aguilar, et al. The Paulist Biblical Commentary. Paulist Press, 2018.
- Faculty of the University of Navarre. The Navarre Bible: New Testament Expanded Edition. Four Courts / Scepter, 2008.
- Brown, Raymond Edward, et al. The New Jerome Biblical Commentary. Prentice Hall, 1990.
- Charpentier, Etienne. How to Read the Old Testament. Translated by John Bowden, 1981.
- Komonchak, Joseph, et al., editors. The New Dictionary of Theology.
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