The Parable of the Pharisee and the Tax Collector

9 And he also told this parable to some who trusted in themselves that they were righteous, and looked down on ⌊everyone else⌋:c 10 “Two men went up to the temple to pray, one a Pharisee and the other a tax collector. 11 The Pharisee stood and* prayed these things with reference to himself: ‘God, I give thanks to you that I am not like other people—swindlers, unrighteous people, adulterers, or even like this tax collector! 12 I fast twice a week; I give a tenth of all that I get.’ 13 But the tax collector, standing far away, did not want even to raise his eyes to heaven, but was beating his breast, saying, ‘God, be merciful to me, a sinner!’ 14 I tell you, this man went down to his house justified rather than that one! For everyone who exalts himself will be humbled, but the one who humbles himself will be exalted.”

Little Children Brought to Jesus

15 Now they were bringing even their* babies to him so that he could touch them. But when* the disciples saw it,* they rebuked them. 16 But Jesus called them to himself, saying, “Allow the children to come to me, and do not forbid them, ⌊for to such belongs⌋d the kingdom of God. 17 Truly I say to you, whoever does not welcome the kingdom of God like a young child will never enter into it.”