Parable of Pharisee & Tax Collector

Jesus told the parable of two men who went to pray at the temple. 

• The Pharisee (who most people thought was good) 
  This man had too much pride and told God all of the good things he had done and how he was better than other people. 
• A tax collector (who most people thought was bad)
  This man was humble and asked God to have mercy on him because he was a sinner. 

Jesus said that the humble tax collector was right with God.

Bible verses used in this episode:

• Luke 18:9-14
• James 4:10

Outline:

1. Jesus noticed the arrogant people (Luke 18:9)
2. Jesus told a parable (Luke 18:9-14)
3. The application of humility (Luke 18:14)

Tips for teaching:

• Invite two adults to your class to act out this parable for the children
• Play this video clip depicting the two men in the parable.  Link to the clip. 
• Talk about bragging.  To emphasise this point, you can blow up a balloon (but do not tie it off).  The teacher can make some bragging statements.  After each statement, blow more hot air into the balloon.  Children can join in with their own examples.  The teacher continues to blow up the balloon more.   Eventually, the balloon will pop.  Examples of bragging might include statements like “my dress is nicer than your dress” or “You don’t know how to play the video game as good as me” or “I read my bible more than you do”.  Check first to make sure children will not be frightened by the popping balloon,  
• Adults: This teaching tip requires a concordance.  An adequate online concordance can be found here: https://biblehub.com/concordance/.  Use the concordance to look up the word “pride, proud, haughty” from the book of Proverbs and write down what these verses say about pride on a white board or whatever is available. Next, look up “humility, humble, lowly” and do the same. Discuss the fruit of pride and the fruit or blessing of humility.  What kind of world would you rather live in – one full of selfish, proud people or humble people?  Why?  Ask the follow-up question and lead the discussion, “Why is having pride of heart bad?” How does it affect our relationship with God, others and the world we live in?  Encourage the class members to consider what pride and humility lead to and produce in these three areas.

Full teaching instructions free from Mission Bible Class:

Bible Lesson:  Parable of a Pharisee & Tax Collector 

Scriptures quoted from the International Children’s Bible®, copyright ©1986, 1988, 1999, 2015 by Tommy Nelson. Used by permission.

Excerpts from Mission Bible Class used by permission.

For questions or comments email: mary@missionbibleclass.org