The Pharisee and the Tax Collector
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Oct. 14, 2001

The Pharisee and the Tax Collector

by Alistair Begg

Luke 18:9–14
 (ID: 2253)

Who is nearer to the kingdom of God: an upright, lifelong churchgoer or a despised, outcast sinner? Alistair Begg helps us see how shocking Jesus’ answer to this question was to its original hearers—especially for those who trusted in their own righteousness. Self-righteous, legalistic obedience can never save us, but God’s mercy can rescue even the worst sinner who comes to Him in humility and brokenness.

Copyright © 2025, Alistair Begg. Used by permission. All rights reserved.

Unless otherwise indicated, all Scripture quotations for sermons preached on or after November 6, 2011 are taken from The ESV® Bible (The Holy Bible, English Standard Version®), copyright © 2001 by Crossway, a publishing ministry of Good News Publishers. Used by permission. All rights reserved.

For sermons preached before November 6, 2011, unless otherwise indicated, all Scripture quotations are taken from The Holy Bible, New International Version® (NIV®), copyright © 1973 1978 1984 by Biblica, Inc.TM Used by permission. All rights reserved worldwide.

Alistair Begg
Alistair Begg is Senior Pastor at Parkside Church in Cleveland, Ohio, and the Bible teacher on Truth For Life, which is heard on the radio and online around the world.