The Pharisee and the Publican

The Pharisee and the publican stand in sharp contrast within the temple setting of Jesus’ parable. The Pharisee lifts his face and hand in outward confidence, wrapped in a prayer shawl as he presents himself before God. Beside him, the tax collector bows low, eyes downcast, bearing the posture of repentance rather than display. The stone walls behind them reinforce the sacred setting where both men pray, yet only one approaches God with a broken and contrite heart. Drawn from Luke 18:9-14, the scene teaches Christ’s warning against religious pride and His mercy toward the humble. The Pharisee trusts in his own righteousness, while the publican pleads for God’s mercy as a sinner. Jesus declares that the humbled man, not the self-exalting one, goes home justified. This artwork serves well for sermons, Bible lessons, discipleship materials, repentance themes, and teachings on humility before God. by Jeff Preston