18:9–14 With the Parable of the Pharisee and the Tax Collector, Luke’s Central Section draws to a close (with v. 15 Luke resumes following his Marcan source [at Mark 10:13]). This parable “makes a fitting finale for the Lucan Travel Account” (Fitzmyer, p. 1183), for it illustrates with graphic clarity what Luke sees as the correct attitude one should have before God.

The Parable of the Pharisee and the Tax Collector is similar to the preceding parable in that its main point is seen in the individual responses of the two principal characters. In this parable the Pharisee provides an example of the wrong way to approach God, while the tax collector provides an example of the right way. The error of the Pharisee lies not in the fact the he has refrained from certain sins and has performed ce…