11 The Pharisee stood and prayed these things with reference to himself: ‘God, I give thanks to you that I am not like other people—swindlers, unrighteous people, adulterers, or even like this tax collector!
12 I fast twice a week; I give a tenth of all that I get.’
13 But the tax collector, standing far away, did not want even to raise his eyes to heaven, but was beating his breast, saying, ‘God, be merciful to me, a sinner!’
14 I tell you, this man went down to his house justified rather than that one! For everyone who exalts himself will be humbled, but the one who humbles himself will be exalted.”
15 Now they were bringing even their babies to him so that he could touch them. But when the disciples saw it, they rebuked them.
16 But Jesus called them to himself, saying, “Allow the children to come to me, and do not forbid them, for to such belongs the kingdom of God.
17 Truly I say to you, whoever does not welcome the kingdom of God like a young child will never enter into it.”