7 Ways To Teach The Pharisee And Tax Collector

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The parable of the Pharisee and the Tax Collector, found in Luke 18:9-14, is a powerful teaching tool that can help us understand the importance of humility, prayer, and our relationship with God. Here are 7 ways to teach this parable to your audience:

Understanding the Parable

The parable of the Pharisee and the Tax Collector is a story that Jesus told to illustrate the importance of humility and prayer. In the story, a Pharisee and a Tax Collector go to the temple to pray. The Pharisee stands proudly and thanks God that he is not like the Tax Collector, who he considers to be a sinner. On the other hand, the Tax Collector humbly beats his chest and asks God for mercy.

Teaching Method 1: Storytelling

One effective way to teach this parable is through storytelling. Tell the story in your own words, using descriptive language to help your audience visualize the scene. You can also use props, such as a temple backdrop or costumes, to bring the story to life.

Key Points to Emphasize

• The Pharisee's pride and self-righteousness
• The Tax Collector's humility and recognition of his sinfulness
• The contrast between the two men's prayers

Teaching Method 2: Discussion Questions

Another way to teach this parable is through discussion questions. Prepare a list of questions that will help your audience think critically about the story and its themes. Some possible questions include:

• What did the Pharisee and the Tax Collector have in common?
• How did their prayers differ?
• What does the parable teach us about humility and pride?

Teaching Method 3: Role-Playing

Role-playing is a fun and interactive way to teach this parable. Assign your audience members roles, such as the Pharisee, the Tax Collector, or God. Then, have them act out the scene, using the script from the Bible as a guide.

Tips for Role-Playing

• Encourage your audience members to get into character and use their imaginations.
• Provide props and costumes to enhance the experience.
• Debrief the role-playing exercise by discussing what happened and what was learned.

Teaching Method 4: Art Projects

Art projects are a great way to help your audience members express their creativity and think critically about the parable. Some possible art projects include:

• Drawing a picture of the Pharisee and the Tax Collector
• Creating a comic strip of the story
• Writing a poem or song about the parable

Teaching Method 5: Games and Activities

Games and activities can help make learning fun and engaging. Some possible games and activities for teaching this parable include:

• A simulation game where audience members have to navigate a "temple" and encounter different characters, such as the Pharisee and the Tax Collector.
• A "prayer challenge" where audience members have to write their own prayers, using the parable as a guide.

Key Points to Emphasize

• The importance of humility and recognition of our sinfulness
• The contrast between the Pharisee's pride and the Tax Collector's humility
• The value of prayer and seeking God's mercy

Teaching Method 6: Real-Life Applications

One of the most effective ways to teach this parable is to show how it applies to real life. Use examples from everyday life to illustrate the principles of humility, prayer, and recognition of our sinfulness.

Teaching Method 7: Reflection and Journaling

Finally, encourage your audience members to reflect on what they have learned from the parable. Provide a journaling prompt, such as "What does the parable of the Pharisee and the Tax Collector teach us about humility and prayer?" or "How can we apply the principles of this parable to our everyday lives?"

Tips for Reflection and Journaling

• Encourage your audience members to be honest and introspective in their journaling.
• Provide a safe and supportive environment for sharing and discussion.
• Follow up with your audience members to see how they are applying the principles of the parable to their lives.

By using these 7 teaching methods, you can help your audience members understand and apply the principles of the parable of the Pharisee and the Tax Collector.

We hope this article has been helpful in teaching the Pharisee and Tax Collector parable. Please share your thoughts and experiences in the comments below.