Study 3: Luke 18: 9-14: Trent Evans

In Luke 18:9–14, Jesus tells the parable of the Pharisee and the tax collector to confront the danger of self-righteousness and reveal the posture God honors. Two men enter the temple to pray. One boasts in his religious accomplishments while the other stands at a distance, confessing his sin and pleading for mercy. Jesus declares that the humble sinner—not the outwardly righteous Pharisee—goes home justified before God. This parable exposes the difference between trusting in our own goodness and trusting in God’s mercy. True justification is not earned through religious performance but received through humble repentance and dependence on God’s grace.

Sermon Outline

1. Opening Context: Parables Leading to Easter 

   1. (00:01–02:52)

   2. Scripture: Luke 18:9–14

      1. The church is studying the parables of Jesus. This parable comes in a sequence where Jesus is teaching about prayer and the heart behind prayer.

2. The Audience and Purpose of the Parable 

   1. (03:21–04:41)

   2. Scripture: Luke 18:9

      1. Jesus directs this teaching toward people who trust in their own righteousness and look down on others.

3. Confidence in One’s Own Righteousness 

   1. (08:36–11:57)

   2. Scriptures: Luke 18:9; Isaiah 64:6; Romans 3:10

      1. Human righteousness cannot justify anyone before God. Scripture repeatedly teaches that no one is righteous on their own.

4. The Two Men in the Temple 

   1. (14:02–16:32)

   2. Scripture: Luke 18:10

      1. Jesus introduces a Pharisee and a tax collector. To the original Jewish audience, the Pharisee would appear righteous while the tax collector would be seen as corrupt.

5. The Pharisee’s Prayer of Self-Exaltation 

   1. (18:20–25:21)

   2. Scriptures: Luke 18:11–12; Matthew 6:1, 5, 17–18

      1. The Pharisee prays publicly and compares himself to others, listing his religious achievements such as fasting and tithing.

6. The Danger of Religious Checklists 

   1. (22:45–26:03)

   2. Scripture: Matthew 6:1–18

      1. Spiritual disciplines done for recognition reveal pride rather than devotion to God.

7. The Tax Collector’s Posture of Humility 

   1. (27:14–31:49)

   2. Scriptures: Luke 18:13; Psalm 138:6

      1. The tax collector stands at a distance, refuses to look up, beats his chest, and simply cries out for mercy.

8. The Power of Honest Repentance 

   1. (33:03–34:05)

   2. Scripture: Luke 18:13

      1. The tax collector’s short prayer reflects a sincere heart rather than eloquent words.

9. The Verdict of Jesus: Justification 

   1. (33:03–35:07)

   2. Scripture: Luke 18:14

      1. The humble man goes home justified. God exalts the humble and humbles the proud.

10. Application to the Church Today 

    1. (36:00–42:07)

    2. Scripture: Luke 18:14

    3. This parable is meant for believers as well. Followers of Jesus must continually guard against pride and approach God in humility, especially in moments like communion.

Scripture References

Luke 18:9–14 

(03:21)

The central parable of the Pharisee and the tax collector illustrating humility before God.

Isaiah 64:6 

(09:50)

“All our righteous acts are like filthy rags.”Used to emphasize humanity’s inability to achieve righteousness apart from God.

Romans 3:10 

(11:35)

“There is no one righteous, not even one.”Paul reinforces the universal reality of human sin.

Ephesians 2:10 

(12:51)

Believers are created in Christ for good works prepared by God, showing that good works flow from salvation rather than earning it.

Matthew 6:1 

(20:02)

Jesus warns against practicing righteousness to be seen by others.

Matthew 6:5 

(20:28)

Jesus warns against public, prideful prayer.

Matthew 6:17–18 

(24:33)

Instructions about fasting in secret before God.

Matthew 6:3–4 

(25:21)

Teaching on giving in secret rather than seeking recognition.

Psalm 138:6 

(27:14)

God is close to the humble but keeps the proud at a distance..

Word Study

Greek Word: πείθω (Peithō)

Strong’s Number: G3982

Pronunciation: pi-tho

Simple Definition

To trust, be convinced, or place confidence in something.

Extended Meaning

In Luke 18:9 the word describes those who were “confident in their own righteousness.” It refers to people who have placed their trust and reliance in themselves rather than in God.

Synonyms: Trust, rely upon, persuade

Antonyms: Doubt, distrust, humility before God

Key Supporting Scriptures

• Luke 18:9 – People trusting in their own righteousness

• Romans 10:3 – Attempting to establish their own righteousness

• Philippians 3:9 – Righteousness that comes through faith in Christ

Connection to the Sermon Theme:

The Pharisee represents someone who has placed his confidence (peithō) in his own religious performance. The tax collector, however, abandons self-confidence and throws himself on God’s mercy. The parable teaches that justification is never achieved through self-trust but through humble reliance on God.

Questions for Deeper Study

1. In your prayers, do you tend to focus more on your accomplishments or on God’s mercy and grace?

   
   

2. What signs of subtle self-righteousness can appear in the life of a believer or a church community?

   
   

3. How can the posture of the tax collector shape the way we approach God in prayer and communion?