The story of the pharisee and the public – फरीसी और जनता की कहानी

The Parable of the Pharisee and the Publican (or tax collector) is a story told by Jesus to illustrate the importance of humility and the dangers of self-righteousness. It can be found in the Gospel of Luke, Chapter 18, verses 9-14. 

Jesus addressed this parable to those who were confident of their own righteousness and looked down on everyone else.

Pharisees were members of a Jewish sect known for strict observance of religious laws and rituals. In this story, the Pharisee stands by himself and prays.

Publicans were tax collectors for the Roman Empire, often despised by their fellow Jews for working with the occupiers and frequently accused of being dishonest.

The Pharisee, standing by himself, prays, thanking God that he is not like other people—robbers, evildoers, adulterers—or even like the tax collector. He boasts about his fasting twice a week and giving a tenth of all he gets.

The publican stands at a distance, not even willing to lift his eyes to heaven. He beats his breast in a sign of repentance and prays, “God, have mercy on me, a sinner.”

Jesus ends the parable by saying that it was the tax collector, not the Pharisee, who went home justified before God. For everyone who exalts himself will be humbled, and he who humbles himself will be exalted.

This parable teaches about the dangers of self-righteousness and the importance of humility. It criticizes the attitude of the Pharisee who exalted himself while despising others. In contrast, the tax collector, despite his sinful life, shows true repentance and humility, which makes him righteous in the eyes of God. The story encourages listeners to approach God with a humble heart rather than relying on one’s perceived righteousness.

The story of the pharisee and the public – फरीसी और जनता की कहानी