“Have Mercy on Me…” Luke 18:13

September 18, 2020

“But the tax collector stood at a distance. He would not even look up to heaven, but beat his breast and said, ‘God, have mercy on me, a sinner.’” - Luke 18:13

The tax collector had a deep knowledge of his sin, and a realistic, humbling picture of who God is. In light of who God is, the tax collector was humbled to the place of genuine repentance, and could sincerely ask God to have mercy on him, a sinner.


How do we view ourselves? Do we have a healthy dose of reality when it comes to the holiness of God? Do we know our place in light of His majesty, and are we awed by His incredible love for us, that He would come to Earth to take our sin upon Himself? Does that sin that nailed our Savior to the cross give us a sense of humility that draws us to repent of sin, even sin that seems comfortable and safe?

By Ellen Hembree December 9, 2025
Panic or Patience? What to Do When Youth Ministry Growth Slows
By Ellen Hembree December 2, 2025
5 Youth Ministry Trends That Will Shape 2026 (and how to get ready) 
By Ellen Hembree November 25, 2025
Why So Many Students Are Deconstructing—And What You Can Do About It
By Ellen Hembree November 18, 2025
Millennials, Gen Z, and the Bible: Why Young Adults Are Fueling a Scripture Comeback
By Ellen Hembree November 11, 2025
How to Help Students Pray with Confidence 
By Ellen Hembree November 3, 2025
Cultures Keep Redefining Manhood. No Wonder Our Teen Guys Are Confused.
By Ellen Hembree October 28, 2025
Corrie Ten Boom: When Ordinary Faith Meets Extraordinary Courage
By Ellen Hembree October 21, 2025
5 Simple Ways to Help New Students Stick (and Bring Their Friends)
By Ellen Hembree October 14, 2025
Throw a Party Like Heaven: Why Celebration Should Be a Rhythm in Your Youth Ministry
By Ellen Hembree October 7, 2025
The Beginner’s Blueprint for Building a Youth Ministry