About this episode

This episode explores the parable of the Pharisee and the tax collector, highlighting themes of humility and self-righteousness in prayer.

Luke 18: 9-17 “Then Jesus told this story to some who had great confidence in their own righteousness and scorned everyone else: Two men went to the Temple to pray. One was a Pharisee, and the other was a despised tax collector. The Pharisee stood by himself and prayed this prayer: ‘I thank you, God, that I am not like other people—cheaters, sinners, adulterers. I’m certainly not like that tax collector! I fast twice a week, and I give you a tenth of my income.’ But the tax collector stood at a distance and dared not even lift his eyes to heaven as he prayed. Instead, he beat his chest in sorrow, saying, ‘O God, be merciful to me, for I am a sinner.’ I tell you, this sinner, not the Pharisee, returned home justified before God. For those who exalt themselves will be humbled, and those who humble themselves will be exalted.” Who are you more like – the Pharisee or the tax collector? To see yourself in this story Jesus tells, lets understand who each were. A Pharisee was a religious leader. They studied and taught scripture. They were very serious about obeying God’s law. To the Pharisee, everything was a box to be checked, and in order to be right with God, all…

People in this episode

Host: Pamela Crim

Topics covered

• parable
• humility
• self-righteousness
• prayer
• spiritual reflection

Keywords

• Pharisee
• tax collector
• parable
• humility
• prayer
• self-righteousness
• spirituality

Mentioned in this episode

Books & works: Luke 18: 9-17

More episodes of BIG Life Devotional | Daily Devotional for Women

• 2196 Parable of the Wise and Foolish Builders · September 9, 2026 · 20 min
• 2194 Parable of the Persistent Widow · September 4, 2026 · 22 min
• 2193 Parable of the Rich Man and Lazarus · September 3, 2026 · 21 min
• 2192 Parable of the Shrewd Manager · September 2, 2026 · 21 min
• 2191 Parable of the Lost Son – 2 · September 1, 2026 · 25 min
• 2190 Parable of the Lost Son-1 · August 31, 2026 · 24 min

Explore listener stats, chart rankings, contacts and more on the BIG Life Devotional | Daily Devotional for Women podcast page.