As a Pharisee, Simon finds it incomprehensible that Jesus allows himself to be "contaminated" by sinners, as was the common mentality at the time. "He thinks that if Jesus were really a prophet he ...

The Pharisee trusted in himself that he was righteous ... The tax collector said a very simple prayer, "God, be merciful to me, a sinner." His prayer was heard by God and he was forgiven.

and to separate themselves from commoners and sinners. Their ranks consisted of middle-class businessmen who often became scribes to teach the law as well. Not all Pharisees were scribes and not ...