"Chapter 13—Two Worshipers This chapter is based on Luke 18:9-14 . “Unto certain which trusted in themselves that they were righteous, and despised others,” Christ spoke the parable of the Pharisee and the publican. The Pharisee goes up to the temple to worship, not because he feels that he is a sinner in need of pardon, but because he thinks himself righteous and hopes to win commendation. His worship he regards as an act of merit that will recommend him to God. At the same time it will give the people a high opinion of his piety. He hopes to secure favor with both God and man. His worship is prompted by self-interest. COL 150"
"And he spake this parable unto certain which trusted in themselves that they were righteous, and despised others: Two men went up into the temple to pray; the one a Pharisee, and the other a publican. The Pharisee stood and prayed thus with himself, God, I thank thee, that I am not as other men are, extortioners, unjust, adulterers, or even as this publican. I fast twice in the week, I give tithes of all that I possess. And the publican, standing afar off, would not lift up so much as his eyes unto heaven, but smote upon his breast, saying, God be merciful to me a sinner. I tell you, this man went down to his house justified rather than the other: for every one that exalteth himself shall be abased; and he that humbleth himself shall be exalted."
EGW explicitly states that the chapter is based on Luke 18:9-14 and directly references the parable of the Pharisee and the publican.
"And when thou prayest, thou shalt not be as the hypocrites are: for they love to pray standing in the synagogues and in the corners of the streets, that they may be seen of men. Verily I say unto you, They have their reward."
Both passages address the issue of hypocritical worship motivated by a desire for public recognition. EGW's description of the Pharisee's worship aligns with the condemnation of hypocritical prayer in Matthew 6:5.
"And he is full of self-praise. He looks it, he walks it, he prays it. Drawing apart from others as if to say, “Come not near to me; for I am holier than thou” ( Isaiah 65:5 ), he stands and prays “with himself.” Wholly self- satisfied, he thinks that God and men regard him with the same complacency. COL 150.2"
"Which say, Stand by thyself, come not near to me; for I am holier than thou. These are a smoke in my nose, a fire that burneth all the day."
EGW directly quotes Isaiah 65:5 and applies it to the Pharisee's attitude.
"The Pharisee stood and prayed thus with himself, God, I thank thee, that I am not as other men are, extortioners, unjust, adulterers, or even as this publican."
Both passages describe a self-righteous individual who separates themselves from others and believes they are superior. While EGW quotes Isaiah 65:5 directly, the overall theme is very similar to the Pharisee's prayer in Luke 18:11.
"“God, I thank thee,” he says, “that I am not as other men are, extortioners, unjust, adulterers, or even as this publican.” He judges his character, not by the holy character of God, but by the character of other men. His mind is turned away from God to humanity. This is the secret of his self-satisfaction. COL 150.3"
"The Pharisee stood and prayed thus with himself, God, I thank thee, that I am not as other men are, extortioners, unjust, adulterers, or even as this publican."
EGW directly quotes Luke 18:11 and analyzes the Pharisee's prayer.