Note 5 at Lk. 18:10: No one can ever be righteous in the sight of God through his own righteousness (Isa. 64:6; Rom. 3:10,23). Our actions benefit us in relationships with people and prevent Satan from having an opportunity against us (Rom. 6:16; 1 Pet. 5:8), but they cannot make us right (righteous) with God. We must trust in God and receive His gift of righteousness (Rom. 5:17) completely on the basis of faith in what Christ did for us (Rom. 4:2-16,22-24; 5:15-21; 9:30-33; 10:1-13; Gal. 3:8-9,11-29; Phil. 3:9, etc.). This is the truth that this parable is presenting.

A real Pharisee lived an impeccable moral life (see note 10 at Mt. 5:20, p. 75) while publicans were despised for their collaboration with the Roman government and their thievery (see note 23 at Mt. 5:46, p. 79). It wasn't the Pharisee's actions that were wrong. What he put his faith in was his problem. His faith was in his own actions as the basis of justification with God instead of in a Savior. The publican's actions were wrong but he threw himself totally on the mercy of God and looked to Him for salvation. His faith was counted to him as righteousness (Rom. 4:3-5,22- 24).