Daily Devotional for Tuesday, April 14

Parable of the Pharisee and the Publican

“And he spake a parable unto them to this end, that men ought always to pray, and not to faint

In this parable, Jesus drew a vivid contrast between two men who came to the Temple to pray. One was a Pharisee—respected, religious and outwardly moral. The other was a publican—a tax collector who was despised by society for his dishonesty and betrayal of his own people. Yet, it was not the Pharisee who left justified before God, but the humble, broken publican. 

The Pharisee stood with pride, recounting his spiritual résumé. He fasted twice a week, gave tithes, and thanked God that he was not like other sinners. His prayer was not really a plea; it was a performance. He measured righteousness by his own actions and looked down on others. But God does not look at the outward appearance; He sees the heart. 

In contrast, the publican would not even lift his eyes to Heaven. He stood afar off, smiting his chest in deep sorrow, and prayed only seven words: “God be merciful to me a sinner” (verse 13). No defense. No comparisons. Just a cry for mercy. And it was this man, not the Pharisee, whom Jesus said went home justified. 

This parable reminds us that God values humility over self-righteousness. When we come before Him broken, honest and aware of our need for grace, He lifts us up. Pride keeps us distant from God; humility brings us close. The Pharisee trusted in himself, but the publican trusted in God’s mercy. 

It is easy in today’s world—even in our churches—to fall into the trap of comparison, assuming our goodness sets us apart. But the gospel is not about what we have done—it is about what Christ has done for us. The only posture that leads to justification is one of humility. 

CHALLENGE FOR TODAY 

Approach God with a heart that is honest and humble, not self-assured. Let your prayer today be, “Lord, have mercy on me” and trust in His unfailing grace.

Steven Ridings