Society recognized the Pharisee as a good man and a local celebrity. In a time of great injustice, he was just, and tried hard to live according to the commandments. In fact, he was almost perfect. All that was wrong with him was that he thought himself a cut above others and he was very proud of his goodness. The tax collector was a very different person. He was a rascal and knew it. The Romans despised a man who cheated his own people, lining his pockets with money that the invaders wanted for themselves. They resented the fact that the tax collector increased the Jews’ hatred for Rome. The Pharisee considered himself perfect. Even God can’t forgive someone who believes there is nothing to forgive. The tax collectors knew his shortcoming. He had nothing to lose by acknowledging his sinfulness before God. He had space in his heart that only God could fill.
There is a saying: “If you want a friend, you must first be a friend.†The Pharisee’s behavior guaranteed that he has few true friends. The tax collector, on the other hand, received recognition beyond his deserving: that of the God who filled his empty heart.