Grace happened on God’s terms. Grace did not happen because of spectacular accomplishments and achievements the Pharisee paraded before God. Grace did not happen because of the Pharisee’s virtues. And grace did not happen because prayer, a religious ceremony in a special
religious place, was taking place. Grace happened in spite of religious stuff.
Grace happened because the tax collector recognized his need. Grace happened because the tax collector knew that there was no way he had earned any spiritual commendations. He knew who he was, and threw himself on God’s mercy.