When Jesus was on earth he met some people who thought that they were
perfect, and they despised other people. One day he told them this story:
“There were two men who went to the temple one day to pray. One of them
was a Pharisee, the other a publican. The Pharisee said, ‘God, I thank
thee that I am not like other men, extortioners, unjust, adulterers, or
even as this man beside me. I fast twice in the week, and I give a tenth
of all that I have.’ Then the publican prayed: he did not even go close
to the holy place: he kept his eyes on the ground, and he struck his
breast, which was a sign of deep humility, as he said, ‘God be merciful
to me, a sinner’—I tell you,” said Jesus, “that man went back to his home
justified, rather than the other, for every one who thinks too well of
himself must be humbled; but those who are humble God will exalt.”
The rest of the story is about some very little children being brought
to Jesus. His disciples tried to have them sent away, for they did not
understand Jesus; but he called the little ones to him and said: “Suffer
little children to come unto me, and forbid them not, for of such is the
kingdom of heaven. Truly I say to you, that any one who will not receive
the kingdom of heaven with the faith of a little child shall never enter
there.”
[Illustration: THE PHARISEE AND THE PUBLICAN.—Luke xviii. 10.]