The Humble and the Proud

Using the parable about the Tax Collector and the Pharisee, this activity will help show the difference between humility and pride.

WHAT YOU WILL DO:

Have the kids follow along in their Bibles as you read the parable about the Tax Collector and the Pharisee in Luke 18:10-14. Have the kids review the story as they draw a picture to show the difference between the two men. Allow about 10 minutes to complete the picture. Then, have each child give his/her picture to the person on the right. Then have each child tell the class the positive aspects of the picture he or she is holding.

    The Parable of the Tax Collector and the Pharisee
    "Two men went up to pray, one a Pharisee and the other a tax collector. The Pharisee stood
    up and prayed about himself: 'God, I thank you that I am not like other men-robbers, evildoers,
    adulterers-or even like this tax collector. I fast twice a week and give a tenth of all I get.'
    "But the tax collector stood at a distance. He would not even look up to heaven, but beat his
    breast and said, 'God, have mercy on me, a sinner.' "I tell you that this man, rather than the
    other, went home justified before God. For everyone who exalts himself will be humbled, and
    he who humbles himself will be exalted." Luke 18:10-14

Additional Questions:
1. Did you find one character easier to draw than the other one, if so which one and why?
2. How did you feel when your classmate explained what they liked about your picture?
3. Were there any pictures you did not think were as nice as yours? How did that make you feel?
4. If you had to choose to be one of the people in your picture, which one would you choose? Why would you choose this character?
5. Where does our ability to draw well come from?

When we boast about what we have, or look down on someone who is less fortunate, we are telling God that He is not important, and that we think we can do things on our own. This is so far from the truth. All good things come from God, by ourselves we are nothing. Therefore, we must live a humble life before God, and admit that without Him we are lost. To avoid being proud, we must acknowledge and thank Him for all He has given us. When we do this, God will exalt us. Remember that God knows what is in our hearts.