Self-righteousness is the blight of humanity. It teaches us that we are basically good people who occasionally make a mistake here or there, while simultaneously pointing out all the rotten sins others commit – others who obviously aren’t as good as we are. This smug, holier-than-thou attitude can be found inside and outside the Church; it is a particular sin that Jesus has no tolerance for.
The parable of the Pharisee and tax collector teaches why self-righteousness can have no place among Jesus’ followers, in a wonderfully succinct way.
The contrast
Jesus sets up His parable.
