is prominent in the gospel accounts as his primary manner to deliver lessons to

his followers. Moreover, Jesus employs parables in such a sufficient manner

that even modern times may not negate their efficiency. One of the more familiar

parables taught by Jesus is that of the Pharisee and the tax collector. Rare

are times when Jesus utilized such a specific person or group of people in his

teachings, but if he does so, it seems to be done with Pharisees.[1] The

Parable of the Pharisee and the Tax Collector grasps nearly every believer’s

heart with a reality that everyone fits into at least one category of the

characters within the narrative. A read through the short parable and an

analysis of the characters within its text beckons the reader to examine his or

her own heart in response to condition and what is required to worship the Lord

in spirit and truth.

am certain Jesus did not hold judgment, impartiality, or disdain for Pharisees

(or any other group) in and of themselves and surely not based on their racial,

ethnic, or external qualities but rather for the condition of their hearts.