The Pharisee and the Tax Collector Skit
Luke 18: 9-14
Choose two students to act out the part of the Pharisee and the Tax Collector. Consider bringing props into it, like a hand mirror for the pharisee, or sunglasses, or a bathrobe. Maybe have some fake money for the tax collector.
Teacher: Two men went up to into the Temple to pray, one a Pharisee (Pharisee steps forward, strutting and sauntering pridefully) and the other a tax collector (Tax collector steps forward, look sad, slouching, or hiding his face in his hands). The Pharisee stood and was praying to himself….
Pharisee: God I thank you that I’m not like other people—cheaters, lawbreakers, adulterers, or (gesturing toward the tax collector) this tax collector over here! (snorts or laughs in a mean way) Why, I fast twice a week! And I pay my tithes!
Teacher: But the tax collector stood of by himself, and wouldn’t even look up to heaven, he felt so unworthy….
Tax Collector: (Beating his chest with his fist and hanging his head) God be merciful to me, because I am a sinner! I’m not even worthy to come into Your presence!
Teacher: And the tax collector went away justified in God’s eyes, but not the pharisee! For everyone who exalts himself will be humbled, and he who humbles himself will be exalted!
(The pharisee stomps off and the tax collector praises God)