Podcasts about tax collectors

August 16, 2026Today's Reading: Luke 18:9-14Daily Lectionary: 2 Samuel 6:1-19; 1 Corinthians 9:1-23“God, be merciful to me, a sinner!” (Luke 18:13)In the Name + of Jesus. Amen.One of the many problems with being a sinner is that we are turned in on ourselves, or self-centered. We tend to talk too much about ourselves and only think of our own problems and desires. As religiously serious people, we may even become impressed with ourselves and compare ourselves to others. The Pharisee in our text is an example of this. Even when he “prays” in the temple, all he really does is talk about himself to God. If you can believe it, he lets the Almighty know how great he is! And if you are honest, I bet you can believe it because you've probably done the same thing. We all have. If we aren't careful, our prayers can also become self-centered attempts to justify ourselves, rather than humbly thanking and praising our Maker and our Savior. The main underlying problem with the Pharisee is the sin of pride. He is so proud that he cannot do anything but brag about how great he is and condemn those whom he thinks are beneath him. He thanks God that he is not like them! Contrast this with the tax collector. That man cannot even raise his head. He has sinned terribly, and he knows it. When praying to God, he is full of anguish and shame. He beats his chest. He doesn't brag about how good he is. Instead, he goes before the Lord and barely spits out the only prayer appropriate: “God, be merciful to me, a sinner!” What a contrast: a pious, upstanding religious Pharisee, and a filthy, broken tax collector. If we had seen them that day, we would have certainly thought the one who had it all together, the polished, conservative religious man, was the kind of man God would approve of. But Jesus tells us otherwise. That man was too proud to receive God's grace or mercy. He thought those things unnecessary since he was so convinced of his own goodness. But not so the Tax Collector. Although his sin was great, Jesus tells us that the one who is truly humble, broken, and relies on God was the one who went home justified. Learn from this man whom our Lord praises and learn from him to look to God to have mercy on you and forgive you all your sins for Jesus' sake.Further, ask yourself: How do I pray? With humility or pride? In your conversations with others, how often do you talk about yourself versus listening and learning from others? How might you, as a fellow broken and humble sinner, let others know about the mercy of God in Jesus?In the Name + of Jesus. Amen.I lay my sins on Jesus, The spotless Lamb of God; He bears them all and frees us From the accursed load. I bring my guilt to Jesus, To wash my crimson stains Clean in His blood most precious Till not a spot remains. (LSB 606:1)Rev. Joel Shaltanis, pastor of Lord of Life Lutheran Church, Plano, TX.

What happens when our confidence in being “right” becomes the very thing keeping us from recognizing our need for grace?In Week 7 of our True Fiction series, Pastor Rob unpacks Jesus' parable of The Pharisee and the Tax Collector found in Luke 18:9-14.Two men enter the Temple to pray. One stands confidently before God, convinced of his own righteousness and comparing himself to everyone around him. The other stands at a distance with nothing to offer but honesty, humility, and a desperate prayer for mercy.Yet Jesus says it was the tax collector who went home right with God.Through this powerful parable, we discover what Kingdom Humility really looks like. It isn't thinking less of ourselves. It's recognizing our need for grace and refusing to use someone else's failures to make ourselves feel righteous.Because in the Kingdom of God, we don't come to Jesus proving how good we are. We come knowing how good He is.Scripture: Luke 18:9-14

Dylan Aebersold Jesus in Samaria: Week 11, The Pharisee and the Tax Collector Luke 18:9-14, Matthew 5:3 website: jacobswellchurch.org facebook: jacobswellkc twitter: @jacobswell

Do you ever catch yourself thinking that being a "pretty good person" is enough to get a passing grade with God? In this foundational sermon from the "Back to School" series, Pastor Jon confronts modern culture's broken, distorted view of grace to reveal how salvation truly operates. By exploring Jesus' parable of the Pharisee and the Tax Collector in Luke 18, we learn that God never compares us to others, nor does He lower His absolute standard of 100% holiness to appease our shortcomings. Real biblical grace isn't about God pretending you passed when you failed; it's about Jesus standing in as your perfect substitute to transform your identity from the inside out.

see link below: https://pastorsteverhodes.com/2026/08/09/come-humbly-before-god-he-accepts-us-based-on-jesuss-death-and-resurrection-luke-189-14/

Homily from the Eighteenth Sunday of Ordinary Time, A.D. MMXXVI.

Join us Pastor Scott talks about The Parable of The Pharisee and Tax Collector

Zach continues our Storyteller series by unpacking Jesus' parable of the Pharisee and the Tax Collector in Luke 18. Discover how this powerful story challenges us to let go of pride, stop judging others, and come before God with humble hearts that recognize our need for His grace.

Luke 18v9-14 with Zach LehrJesus rarely responded to questions with straightforward answers. Instead, he told stories—stories about farmers and feasts, lost coins and generous employers, unexpected neighbors and extravagant grace. In this series, we'll explore some of Jesus' most memorable parables and discover how these ancient stories continue to challenge, comfort, and transform us today. Together, we'll learn what the Kingdom of God is like and what it means to follow Jesus in the ordinary moments of everyday life

Upside Down | Parable of the Pharisee & Tax Collector by Collective Church

LOOKING GOOD, MISSING GOD Can you be deeply religious and still miss God completely? In Week 7 of our Parables series, Pastor John Hill unpacks Jesus' Parable of the Pharisee and the Tax Collector. Through two very different prayers, Jesus exposes the danger of self-righteousness and reveals the kind of heart God truly honors. You'll discover: Why God's holiness must be our standard How knowing Christ changes everything Where true confidence is found Mercy isn't earned by the good—it's received by the humble. - NEXT STEPS  Looking to take your next step?  We want to help! Text the word NEXT to 909-281-7797 or visit sunrisechurch.org/nextsteps. - GIVE TO SUNRISE CHURCH Imagine what God can do through our giving. You can give today at sunrisechurch.org/give  - FOLLOW US ON SOCIAL MEDIA  Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/SunriseChurchCA  Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/sunrisechurchca  Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/SunriseChurch 

Español:El Fariseo y el Publicano- Dos hombres suben al templo a orar — uno confía en su currículum espiritual, el otro confía solo en la misericordia de Dios. La parábola del fariseo y el publicano va directo al corazón de lo que realmente significa ser justificado ante Dios. Descubre por qué el hombre "bueno" se fue igual, y el hombre "malo" se fue transformado.English:The Pharisee and the Tax Collector - two men walk into the temple to pray — one trusts his resume, the other trusts God's mercy. Jesus' parable of the Pharisee and the Tax Collector cuts straight to the heart of what it really means to be made right with God. Discover why the "good" man walked away unchanged, and the "bad" man walked away justified.

Zacchaeus, The repentant Tax Collector July 19 2026 - Jay Atkins - Sunday, July 19, 2026

Zacchaeus, The repentant Tax Collector July 19 2026 - Jay Atkins - Sunday, July 19, 2026

The Pharisee and tax collector reveal the heart of the gospel: God justifies the humble. The kingdom belongs to those who come empty-handed. Only grace saves. Visit us online at: RenewalChurch.net

The post God can even use tax collectors. appeared first on Key Life.

What if the person everyone overlooked was the very one God wanted to use? Matthew's story is one of the most surprising encounters in the Gospels: a moment that challenges assumptions about who is worthy, who belongs, and who God calls. Listen in as we explore how one life-changing invitation from Jesus still speaks to us today and discover what Matthew's story might reveal about God's invitation to each of us.

The Rich Ruler and Zacchaeus the Tax Collector provide two contrasting ways to approach Jesus with our material wealth. This mini-series will explore both.

In this message from Luke 18:9-14, we walk through the Parable of the Pharisee and the Tax Collector to see why respectability is not the same thing as reconciliation with God, why self-righteousness produces contempt instead of humility, and what it actually means to be justified before a holy God.

The Heart Examiner   Series - The Gospel of Luke   Carvens Lissaint   Luke 18: 9–14   The parable of the Pharisee and the Tax Collector. Jesus examines the posture of our hearts before the activity of our works.   Give to support the ministry of Renaissance Church: https://renaissancenyc.com/give   Keep up with Renaissance by filling out a connection card: https://renaissancenyc.ccbchurch.com/goto/forms/5/responses/new

This Sunday, Pastor Emmanuel walked us through the Parable of the Pharisee and the Tax Collector, reminding us that God isn't moved by spiritual “résumés,” but by humble hearts that recognize their need for Him. We saw how two very different prayers reveal two very different postures—one rooted in self-confidence, the other in total dependence—and how God responds to humility over performance every time. You won't want to miss it!

In Luke 18, Jesus shows us two very different approaches to God. One person trusted in his own goodness, while the other came with humility and a desperate need for mercy.This sermon explores the difference between pride and humility, and how an honest heart before God leads to transformation.

Passage: Luke 18:9-14 The only way that we are made righteous is through Christ's righteousness. We must be continuously undone in the light of God's mercy and grace towards us. 

Ever wonder about the cultural norms left unsaid in the Bible? Discovering the collectivist perspective will help you better understand Scripture.  Receive If we read the Bible exclusively from our Western individualist point of view, we may miss or misunderstand cultural values everybody in the ancient Mediterranean world understood. As this week's guest, Randy Richards, reminds us, the values of kinship, patronage, and brokerage, which focus on the family or group dynamic instead of an individual, are found throughout Scripture. We also find examples of honor, shame, and boundaries in the Old and New Testaments that are used as tools to help enforce and strengthen these cultural values. Understanding the ancient Mediterranean culture that the Bible is set in can enrich our understanding of some Scripture passages. How has discovering some of the cultural backdrop of the Bible helped you gain a deeper understanding of Scripture and how the Bible applies to your life? What next step could you take toward learning more about the cultural context of the Old and New Testament?  Reflect  Why were the Pharisees trying to shame Jesus in Matthew 9:11? How was the apostle Paul trying to use shame in a positive sense in 1 Corinthians 15:34?  In 1 Timothy 2:9, how was the apostle Paul trying to use shame in a positive way to encourage women to stand up against the culture's way of dressing?  Based on Romans 1:1, what was the role with the highest honor for the apostle Paul? How were the chief priests, teachers of the law, and the elders trying to have an honor contest with Jesus in Luke 20:1–8? Why did Jesus tell the parable of The Pharisee and the Tax Collector in Luke 18:9–14 to those who were confident of their own righteousness and looked down on everyone else?  Why is the apostle Paul setting a boundary in 1 Corinthians 10:27 –28?  Respond (Use this prayer to start a conversation with God) “Dear God, thank You that as I grow in my knowledge of Scripture, I can grow deeper in my love and understanding of You! Help me to dive deeper into Your Word, so my relationship with You can grow stronger. Help me to gain wisdom that I can apply to my life.”   Discover more about the topics in this episode with these recommended resources Mentioned in this episode: Misreading Scripture with Individualist Eyes by our guest E. Randolph Richards  Listen: Misreading Scripture with Western Eyes (with guest Randy Richards)) Understanding How to Read the Bible Today Read: Starting in the Right Place How Should We Read the Bible—and What Type of Book Is It, Anyway? Watch: In Pursuit of Peter In Pursuit of Paul 

The Pharisee and Tax Collector Gabe Garcia The Story of the Pharisee & the Tax Collector (Luke 18:9-14)June 28th, 2026Gabe Garcia, Guest Pastor

Dr. Jeremy Evans - June 28, 2026 Scripture References: Luke 14:12-23 From Series: "Deeper Things"

Matthew 9:9–13 (NKJV)9 As Jesus passed on from there, He saw a man named Matthew sitting at the tax office. And He said to him, “Follow Me.” So he arose and followed Him.10 Now it happened, as Jesus sat at the table in the house, that behold, many tax collectors and sinners came and sat down with Him and His disciples. 11 And when the Pharisees saw it, they said to His disciples, “Why does your Teacher eat with tax collectors and sinners?”12 When Jesus heard that, He said to them, “Those who are well have no need of a physician, but those who are sick. 13 But go and learn what this means: ‘I desire mercy and not sacrifice.' For I did not come to call the righteous, but sinners, to repentance.”

Jesus exposes how subtle and dangerous pride can be. One man trusts in his own goodness while the other comes with honest humility. This parable reminds us that the Kingdom belongs to those who recognize their need for mercy and place their hope not in themselves, but in God alone.⚫CONNECT WITH US:

Pastor Kurt takes a deep dive into Matthew 9:1-13 where Jesus shows His authority not only to heal bodies, but to forgive sins and transform lives. By healing the paralytic, calling Matthew, and eating with sinners, He reveals that He came for the spiritually sick, not the self-righteous. The passage highlights both the power of Christ to pardon and the mercy of Christ to pursue those society overlooks.

Ever wondered what actually happens inside the Treasurer/Tax Collector's Office? In this episode, we sit down with Scott Walker and Maya Golding to find out - from how your tax bills work to the surprising ways this office touches nearly every part of town life. It's more interesting than you might think.https://www.town.orleans.ma.us/387/Treasurer-Tax-Collector

Tax Collectors and Sinners | Matthew 9:9–13 In this sermon, Rev. Lucy Baum reflects on one of the most surprising moments in Jesus' ministry: the calling of Matthew the tax collector. When Jesus invites Matthew to become one of his disciples and then shares a meal with tax collectors and sinners, those around him are scandalized. Why would a teacher who speaks about the righteousness of God choose to spend time with people who seem so clearly in the wrong? As the story unfolds, we discover that Jesus is asking a deeper question than we might expect—not simply who belongs, but what mercy really means. Drawing on Matthew 9, the prophet Hosea, and stories of forgiveness and restoration, this sermon explores the relationship between mercy and justice. It challenges us to consider why God's mercy can sometimes feel uncomfortable, especially when it is extended to people we believe do not deserve it. What if justice is about more than punishment? What if mercy and justice are not opposites, but partners? And what if healing damaged relationships is more powerful than settling a score? Through a powerful reflection on restorative justice, Rev. Baum invites us to imagine a way of life that holds mercy and accountability together—a way that opens the door to transformation for everyone involved. "I desire mercy, not sacrifice." It is a challenging invitation. And it is one that still has the power to change us today.

Notes Matthew 9:9-13, 18-26 Genesis 12:1-9 This episode explores the calling of Matthew and Abram, highlighting themes of inclusion, divine blessing, and God's ongoing work through imperfect people. It challenges listeners to reflect on how God's grace extends to all, especially those marginalized or misunderstood. Chapters 00:00 Introduction to the Pulpit Fiction Podcast 03:00 Exploring the Readings: Matthew and Genesis 05:54 The Calling of Matthew: Context and Significance 09:05 Jesus and the Unclean: Challenging Social Norms 11:54 The Role of Tax Collectors in Society 15:03 Grace and Redemption: Who is Worthy? 18:10 The Importance of Relationships in Transformation 20:50 Conclusion: The Message of Inclusion and Acceptance 23:06 The Healing Touch of Jesus 26:20 Compassion as a Driving Force 27:26 The Calling of Abram 30:41 A Shift in Divine Focus 32:41 Christian Nationalism and Its Implications 36:34 The Imperfect Agent of Blessing  

Travis continues in The Storyteller with a deeper dive into the Pharisee & the Tax Collector parable.#iamembraceEmbrace is one church, made up of multiple campuses and network churches. We exist to relentlessly reach the next person for Jesus.Give Herehttps://www.iamembrace.com/giveStay ConnectedWebsite: iamembrace.comEmbrace Church Facebook: facebook.com/iamembraceEmbrace Church Instagram: instagram.com/iamembraceAdam Weber YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@adamaweberAdam Weber Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/adamaweberAdam Weber Instagram: instagram.com/adamaweber

Listen to this week's sermon, Parables In Practice preached by Rev. Benjamin Kandt from Luke 18:9-14.

Elder Greg Morrill teaches from Luke 18:9-14, the Parable of the Pharisee and the Tax Collector.

Elder Greg Morrill teaches from Luke 18:9-14, the Parable of the Pharisee and the Tax Collector.

Lead Pastor Josh Carstensen continues our series on Mark.In Mark chapter 2, Jesus walks past a tax collector — one of the most despised men in town — and says two words: Follow me. No conditions. No get-his-act-together required. Just an invitation.Then Jesus goes to his house for dinner. And the religious leaders lose it.Jesus gravitates toward exactly the people everyone else avoids, which reveals the nature of the gospel: Jesus only heals people who know they're sick. Which means the real danger isn't being too far gone. It's thinking you're already fine.If you've been a Christian long enough to forget what it felt like to need saving, this message will challenge you. And if you're not sure Jesus would want anything to do with you, this one's for you, too.Thank you for listening to this message from Northwest Hills Community Church in Corvallis, Oregon, on May 24, 2026, at 10:30am. You can find us online at ⁠nwhills.com⁠.Key Moments(00:00) Welcome(1:10) Memorial Day Prayer & Church Announcements(4:52) Scripture Reading: Mark 2:13–17(6:26) Truth #1: Jesus Loves People We Love to Hate (Levi the Tax Collector)(15:09) Levi Becomes Matthew: The Power of Transformation(18:21) Truth #2: The Temptation to Talk About People Behind Their Backs(23:46) Truth #3: Jesus Only Heals Those Who Know They're Sick(26:27) The Tree Story: Remembering the Weight of What You Were Saved From(31:44) Closing: Living in the Tension of Sickness and Healing

Luke 18:9-14. The parable of the Pharisee and the Tax Collector exposes the danger of spiritual self-confidence, showing that genuine right standing with God comes only through humble dependence on Jesus rather than confidence in one's own goodness.

The gang talks Brendan catching the Rona and Bryan wanting the Rona, also, Brendan's new movie trailer of "The Tax Collector" with Shia Labeouf finally coming out, Japanese man with a Master's degree in Ninja Studies, Perth teenager kicked out of a pub for having a mullet and much more!See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

God is actively working against the proud and pompous. If that doesn't force us to seek humility, I don't know what will…  The Parable of the Pharisee and the Tax Collector, as narrated by Jesus, pierces through the facade of righteousness to reveal the profound truth of God's grace. These two men live totally different lives. On the outside, the Pharisee has his whole life put together. But is that what God really desires from us? Does God need us to be perfect in every way and polished? Does he need our lofty prayers and loud acts of righteousness? Or does he simply need a humble and contrite heart? Go to JesusPodcast.com and receive daily devotionals about Jesus.Today's Bible verse is Mark 16:6 from the King James Version.Download the Pray.com app for more Christian content including, Daily Prayers, Inspirational Testimonies, and Bedtime Bible Stories.Pray.com is the digital destination for faith. With over 5,000 daily prayers, meditations, bedtime stories, and cinematic stories inspired by the Bible, the Pray.com app has everything you need to keep your focus on the Lord. Make Prayer a priority and download the #1 App for Prayer and Sleep today in the Apple app store or Google Play store. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices