Matthew 9:10-13

Later Jesus was having dinner at Matthew’s house. Many tax collectors and “sinners” came. They ate with Jesus and his disciples.11The Pharisees saw this. So they asked the disciples, “Why does your teacher eat with tax collectors and ‘sinners’?”12Jesus heard that. So he said, “Those who are healthy don’t need a doctor. Sick people do. 13Go and learn what this means, ‘I desire mercy and not sacrifice.’ (Hosea 6:6) I have not come to get those who think they are right with God to follow me. I have come to get sinners to follow me.”

The phrase “I desire mercy and not sacrifice” has really stuck out to me. I have read it many times and simply passed it over. However, He says to, “go and learn what this means”. Its obvious that we will need to receive some practical experience to learn this point.
I struggle to understand God and all his ways and I also struggle to understand the teachings of Jesus. In this passage Jesus is confronting not only the Pharisees but an entire mindset. We all think that there is a formula for living life. Although our sins will be covered by a sacrifice Jesus does not want this to have to be needed. The Pharisees thought that if they followed the “formula” the “law” of sacrifices, they would be considered righteous. God is saying that our righteousness comes when we bring only a broken, naked, and cold spirit. God prepares a way of forgiveness but he would prefer giving the mercy to us and for us to pass it along. God desires a heart of mercy and compassion.

This season remember that God ways are for us to walk in His mercy and not in our abilities. AND….. OH how great is His mercy.