Two Men Went to Pray

Jesus told this story to people who thought they were better than others.

Two men went to the temple to pray. One was a Pharisee, who knew the religious rules. The other collected taxes.

The Pharisee stood and began to speak.

Instead of asking for help, he compared himself with others. He thanked God that he was not like people who did wrong, or like that tax collector.

He listed the good things he did and the rules he kept.

The other man stood farther away. He knew he had done wrong.

He did not pretend that everything was fine. He did not even dare to look up toward heaven.

He spoke honestly with God.

“God, have mercy on me. I need your help.”

Jesus explained that this man went home accepted by God. He had asked for mercy with a sincere heart.

The other had used prayer to feel superior.

God does not need us to brag. We can tell him the truth about ourselves.

If you broke something and hid it, you can admit it. If you hurt someone, you can ask forgiveness and try to make things right.

You do not need to say, “I am better than my brother,” or, “I never do anything wrong.” We all need help learning to love.

Being humble does not mean thinking we have no value. God loves us very much. It means admitting we need his guidance.

We can do good without looking down on others. God hears us when we come to him honestly.

Jesus tells us a story, and his love stays with us.