Luke 18:14

I tell you. An expression Jesus often used to introduce an important statement of truth or to make it emphatic; also to introduce the conclusion to a line of reasoning or to a parable. The expression, “I tell you,” is frequently recorded by Luke (chs. 4:25; 9:27; 10:24; 12:51; 13:3, 5, 27; 17:34; 18:8, 14; 19:40).

Justified. That is, accepted by God and declared righteous before Him. The Pharisee thought himself righteous (see v. 9), but God did not think so. The publican knew himself to be a sinner (see v. 13), and this realization opened the way for God to pronounce him sinless — a sinner justified by divine mercy (see on v. 13). It was the attitudes of the two men toward themselves and toward God that made the difference.

Rather than. The Pharisee disqualified himself from receiving divine mercy and grace. Self-satisfaction closed the door of his heart to the rich currents of divine love that brought joy and peace to the publican. The prayer of the Pharisee was unacceptable before God, for it was not accompanied with the incense of the merits of Jesus Christ (see PP 353; see on Ex. 30:8).

Exalteth himself. See on Luke 14:11; Mark 9:35. The problem of pride versus humility is at the very heart of the conflict between good and evil.