18:9–14 The Parable of the Pharisee and the Tax Collector. This parable contrasts a Pharisee boasting in his self-righteousness and a tax collector confessing his sins and seeking God’s mercy. 18:9 Again, as in v. 1, Luke interprets the parable before the parable itself is given. to some who trusted … that they were righteous. The audience addressed by the parable (probably Pharisees) had an unrealistic sense of self-worth (see note on Matt. 5:20). Falsely confident of their own righteousness, they