Why don't you just let me save you?

Jesus' parable of the Pharisee and tax collector reveals a profound truth about salvation. The Pharisee listed his moral achievements and religious practices, believing his goodness earned God's favor. The tax collector simply asked for mercy, recognizing his need for God's salvation. Jesus declared the tax collector justified, not because of his works, but because he trusted in God's mercy rather than his own righteousness. The crucial difference wasn't their behavior but what they trusted for salvation. This parable warns against the dangerous temptation of thinking our goodness allows fellowship with God, when it's actually our recognition of sin and need for mercy that brings us to Him.