The Pharisee and the Tax Collector
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Luke 18:9-14
Wonder Truth
God wants us to pray with humble hearts
Memory Verse
For all those who exalt themselves will be humbled, and those who humble themselves will be exalted.
Lesson Image
Leader Prep
This parable reminds us that God is not impressed with proud, showy prayers. The Pharisee thanked God but used his prayer to boast about himself. The tax collector stood at a distance, would not even look up, and simply prayed, "God, be merciful to me, a sinner." Jesus said that man—the humble one—went home right with God.
Take a moment to reflect:
- Where do I tend to compare myself to others?
- How can I model honest, humble prayer for kids today?
- What is one area I need to ask God for mercy and help?
Leader Prayer:
"God, You see my heart. Help me teach these children that You love humble and honest prayers. Keep me from pride and let me model humility today. Amen."
Bible Background for Leaders
WHO: A Pharisee (religious leader) and a tax collector (despised sinner).
WHAT: A contrast in prayer—self-exalting pride vs. humble mercy-seeking.
WHERE: Near the temple (place of prayer).
WHEN: Late in Jesus' ministry while teaching about true faith.
WHY: To show that God accepts the humble heart, not the proud performance.
CONNECTION: Echoes 1 Samuel 16:7—God looks at the heart. Also James 4:6—God opposes the proud but gives grace to the humble.
Volunteer Connection Tips
- Assure kids: You do not need fancy words to talk to God—just honesty.
- Model brief, sincere prayers during class ("Jesus, help us listen").
- Affirm humility as strength: admitting need, saying sorry, thanking God.
Key Vocabulary
- Pharisee: Religious teacher who often became prideful.
- Tax Collector: Despised for working with Rome; in this story, he is the humble one.
- Humble: Knowing we need God; not acting better than others.
- Exalt: To lift oneself up or show off.
Lesson Supplies
- Bible (open during story)
- Printed memory verse poster (Luke 18:14)
- Small hand mirror or foil square (for object lesson)
Craft Supplies
- Construction paper hearts
- Aluminum foil squares (~3x3 in) or mini mirrors
- Crayons/markers, glue sticks
Prep Time: ≈ 10 minutes to gather supplies, prep hearts/foil, and write the Welcome Question.
Curiosity
Welcome Question (displayed):
"Have you ever met someone who bragged a lot? How did that make you feel?"
Before Kids Arrive:
- Write the question on a board or poster.
- Lay out crayons and paper for kids who prefer drawing.
- Pray quietly: "Lord, help these children see that You love humble hearts more than proud words."
"Hi, [child's name]! Have you known someone who bragged about being the best? How did that make you feel?" Offer prompts: toys, winning games, grades, or skills. Affirm all answers.
"We all like to be good at things, but Jesus teaches that being humble is better than showing off. Today, He tells a story about two people who prayed very different prayers."
Curiosity Activity – "The Brag Game"
Purpose: Lightly introduce pride vs. humility.
Step-by-Step
- Say: "If I read something braggy, raise your hands high. If it is humble, put your hand on your heart."
- Examples: "I am the best at everything!" (hands up) • "I am thankful God helps me." (hand on heart) • "I am better than you!" (hands up) • "I want to learn and help others." (hand on heart)
- Discuss: Which kind of person do you think God likes hearing from?
"Great job! Jesus told a story about a proud prayer and a humble prayer. Let's open the Bible and see what happened."
Belief
This is the heart of the lesson. Help kids experience Scripture and discover the Wonder Truth: God wants us to pray with humble hearts.
Tips for Volunteers
- Keep your Bible open and visible.
- Use two tones: Pharisee (confident) vs. Tax Collector (quiet/sincere).
- Pause for questions; let kids "wonder" aloud.
- Invite motions: head bowed, hand on heart.
Prayer of Invitation (Leader Script):
"Jesus, thank You for teaching us how to pray. Help us listen and learn to be humble. Amen."
Bible Time Rhyme:
"Open God's book, let's take a look!
God's Word is true, for me and you!"
(Kids seated in a circle; Bible open.)
"Two men went to the temple to pray—one a Pharisee, the other a tax collector."
"The Pharisee prayed proudly: 'God, thank You that I am not like other people... I fast and give money.'"
"The tax collector stood far away, would not even look up. He beat his chest and said, 'God, be merciful to me, a sinner.'"
"Jesus said the humble man—not the proud one—went home right with God."
Engagement Tips
- Ask: "Who talked more about himself? Who asked God for mercy?"
- Act it out with two volunteers (respectful, a little dramatic).
- Ask older kids: "Why does God value humility in prayer?"
"Jesus teaches us today's truth: God wants us to pray with humble hearts. God sees our hearts more than our words."
Word of Wonder (Memory Verse)
Teach with motions:
- Lift hands high (exalt)
- Bow head, hand on heart (humbled)
- Lift one hand slowly (God exalts)
Practice:
- Whisper the verse
- Say it normally
- Say it joyfully
Faith
Help kids apply the parable. Humility means honesty with God, not thinking we are better than others.
Tips
- Affirm that saying "sorry" and "please help" are strong, not weak.
- Invite brief examples from kids when they needed to ask for help.
- Balance voices—draw in quieter children with gentle prompts.
- "Who prayed proudly in the story?" (The Pharisee.)
- "Who prayed humbly?" (The tax collector.)
- "How can we pray humbly?" (Say thank You, ask for help, do not brag.)
- "What is the difference between proud and humble?"
- "Why does God like humble hearts?" (They are honest and teachable.)
- "One way you can show humility this week?" (Let someone go first, apologize, help quietly.)
"When we pray humbly, we show God we trust Him more than ourselves. That is the kind of heart God loves to hear."
Identity
Craft Activity – "Humble Heart Mirror"
Supplies: Paper hearts, foil squares or mini mirrors, crayons/markers, glue.
This craft reminds kids that God looks at the heart more than the outside.
Instructions:
- Give each child a paper heart and a foil square.
- Glue the foil in the center as a "mirror."
- Around the edges, write/draw humble-heart actions: pray, say sorry, thank God, help others.
- Decorate with colors or stickers.
"When you look at this mirror, remember—God sees your heart. He loves humble, honest prayers."
Closing
Gather kids in a circle. Use a calm signal ("Hands on your knees, eyes on me").
"Say it with me: God wants us to pray with humble hearts." Repeat: whisper, normal, celebration voice.
Memory Verse Review:
Luke 18:14 with motions—hands up (exalt), bow head (humbled), lift hand (God exalts).
"May you talk to God with a thankful, humble heart. May He fill you with His grace this week."
Closing Prayer (repeat-after-me):
"Dear God," (pause)
"Thank You for loving me as I am." (pause)
"Help me to be humble and honest when I pray." (pause)
"Amen."
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