HAVE MERCY ON ME, A SINNER
Jenna Worsham
Today’s Scripture: “But the tax collector, standing far off, would not even lift up his eyes to heaven, but beat his breast, saying, ‘God, be merciful to me, a sinner!’” Luke 18:13, ESV
Theme: Humility and asking for mercy for my own sins, not judging others, pleases God.
WE ARE ALL “THE TAX COLLECTOR”
Let’s be honest – no matter how good we look on the outside, based on our resume, or through filters on social media, everyone has an ugly side. As a lifelong early bird, my ugly side typically comes out after 8 p.m. When I’m tired and out of patience, my family (or whoever is present) sees the worst side of me. Sometimes I treat even my favorite people with contempt. The tax collector and the Pharisee in today’s Scripture are fictional. “He [Jesus] also told this parable to some who trusted in themselves that they were righteous, and treated others with contempt” (Luke 18:9, ESV). Jesus was telling this parable to people who trusted in themselves – capable, productive people with carefully crafted resumes, all the right connections, and known as generous donors to worthy causes. People like me? Unfortunately, I think so. I may be caught up in the wrong belief that I am righteous. This wrong belief leads me to treat others with contempt. I prove that contempt by my actions: ignoring the person asking for a few dollars, overlooking the run-down trailer in my neighborhood, or forgetting to bring extra groceries to the food pantry on a Sunday.
HUMILITY
The more I study the Bible and spend time following Jesus, the more I realize just how lost I really am. I don’t even understand how to love others well, often missing the mark even when I try to do the right thing. Sometimes I get frustrated with my life group members when they aren’t consistent or don’t attend church. Sometimes I question whether money is being spent wisely when it’s none of my business.
Children are often more compassionate than I am. My own children empathize with each other, volunteering to help when I’ve come to the end of my patience. One night I was carelessly rushing my youngest to bed when the oldest interceded. She offered to read stories and tuck him in. On those days, I thank God, knowing I am a sinner, just like the tax collector. While I feel frustrated and embarrassed by my own lack of righteousness, I’m thankful for God’s grace and the way Jesus ends the parable. “I tell you, this man went down to his house justified, rather than the other. For everyone who exalts himself will be humbled, but the one who humbles himself will be exalted.”
Make It Personal: What would it look like to humble yourself like the tax collector in the parable? What ideas about your performance or position might stand in the way of praying humbly?
Pray: God, with downcast eyes I pray to You the same words that the tax collector in the parable used. “God, be merciful to me, a sinner.” I have missed the mark, judged others wrongly and overvalued myself. Thank You for Your patience and mercy towards me. I’m grateful. In Jesus’ Name, Amen.
Read: Luke 18:9-14; Isaiah 1:18
Weekly Memory Verse: “Then his master summoned him and said to him, ‘You wicked servant! I forgave you all that debt because you pleaded with me. And should not you have had mercy on your fellow servant, as I had mercy on you?’” Matthew 18:32-33, ESV