The Pharisee is doing all the right things (much like the ruler in the next scenario); why is he the "bad guy?"
His heart hasn't changed. God isn't looking for empty action; God desires transformed hearts. (I will take their hearts of stone and give them hearts of flesh)
Action without love for the other remains self-centered action. We do it to look good, to maintain our reputations, out of obligation, because it is what is expected. It may be a place to start, but this loveless action is not our endpoint.
Like little children (who were lowest on the totem pole in this society), can we recognize that we are not in control and that all that we have is a gift to be used for the common good, and that these gifts are not just our own achievements for our own benefit? Jesus deeply desires us to see clearly: "Receive your sight."
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