A Pharisee and a Tax Collector

⁹ Jesus told a story to some people who thought they were better than others and who looked down on everyone else:

¹⁰ Two men went into the temple to pray.^[a] One was a Pharisee and the other a tax collector.^{[b] 11} The Pharisee stood over by himself and prayed,^[c] “God, I thank you that I am not greedy, dishonest, and unfaithful in marriage like other people. And I am really glad that I am not like that tax collector over there. ¹² I go without eating^[d] for two days a week, and I give you one tenth of all I earn.”

^13 (A) The tax collector stood off at a distance and did not think he was good enough even to look up toward heaven. He was so sorry for what he had done that he pounded his chest and prayed, “God, have pity on me! I am such a sinner.”

^14 (B) Then Jesus said, “When the two men went home, it was the tax collector and not the Pharisee who was pleasing to God. If you put yourself above others, you will be put down. But if you humble yourself, you will be honored.”

⁶ Now the time has come for me to die. My life is like a drink offering^[a] being poured out on the altar. ⁷ I have fought well. I have finished the race, and I have been faithful. ⁸ So a crown will be given to me for pleasing the Lord. He judges fairly, and on the day of judgment he will give a crown to me and to everyone else who wants him to appear with power.

¹⁶ When I was first put on trial, no one helped me. In fact, everyone deserted me. I hope it won't be held against them. ¹⁷ But the Lord stood beside me. He gave me the strength to tell his full message, so that all Gentiles would hear it. And I was kept safe from hungry lions. ^18 (A) The Lord will always keep me from being harmed by evil, and he will bring me safely into his heavenly kingdom. Praise him forever and ever! Amen.