Definition: Two men went up into the temple to pray; the one a Pharisee, and the other a publican.

Explanation: Okay, let’s break down this verse from Luke 18:10. It's a really important story about faith and how we treat others. Here’s what it means in simple terms: The Basic Idea: This verse describes two people who are praying at the same temple. But they have very different approaches to prayer. The Pharisee: This person is someone who's learned a lot of religious rules and teachings. They're probably very concerned about how they’re praying – perfect, formal prayers, lots of words, etc. They might be worried about being judged by God. The Publican: This person is someone who’s simpler, more humble, and doesn't have a lot of special rules or expectations. They’re probably focused on what they’re praying for – simply seeking God's forgiveness and peace. What Happens Next? The verse says that the Publican prayed longer and more earnestly than the Pharisee. He didn't worry about perfect words; he just poured out his heart and asked for God to forgive him. The Key Takeaway: This story is a reminder that true faith isn’t about how much you say or what you do, but about your heart and your willingness to turn to God. It highlights the importance of being genuine and sincere in prayer. In short, it's a parable (a story with a moral) about the difference between outward formality and heartfelt devotion. --- Would you like me to: Explain another verse? Discuss the symbolism behind this story? Give you some context on why this story is important in the Bible?