Putrid Smell of Religious Pride

Jesus told the parable of the tax collector and the pharisee to "some people who trusted in themselves that they were righteous, and viewed others with contempt" (Luke 18:9). It is our shame that we all have a pharisee in us. When we are unbelievers, this pharisee is unchecked, and even after salvation he still rears his ugliness. The pharisee in this passage was praying to himself, taking pride in his "good" works and looking down on the tax collector. He also hoped God would take notice of his above-and-beyond deeds, such as fasting twice a day. But, he failed to see how he had broken each of the ten commandments and was no better than anyone else, and what a narrow standard he had of righteousness. In Matthew 23:14, Jesus condemns the pharisees for devouring widows houses and making long prayers for show. They were just as greedy as tax collectors. This tax collector, though, is in shame over his sins. He bows his head, unable to look up at God, and stands a distance away as he feels unworthy to be near Him. He does not compare himself with others and does not make a long prayer, but utters a heartfelt cry for mercy. By his faith in Christ's true righteousness, he was justified.