I Desire Mercy And Not Sacrifice

"But go and learn what this means: 'I desire mercy and not sacrifice.' " (1)

This conversation took place when Jesus sat as an honored guest at Matthew's (2) house with those who were tax collectors and sinners who were despised by the scribes and Pharisees. The latter said to Christ's disciples, "Why does your Teacher eat with tax collectors and sinners? (3) When Jesus heard what was said, He replied directly, "Those who are well have no need of a physician, but those who are sick. But go and learn what this means: 'I desire mercy and not sacrifice,' For I did not come to call the righteous, but sinners, to repentance." (4)

The quotation that Jesus used came from Hosea 6:6. It was an appeal that God made to Israel and Judah because of their unfaithfulness. "O Ephraim, what shall I do to you? O Judah, what shall I do to you? For your faithfulness is like a morning cloud, and like the early dew it goes away. For I desire mercy and not sacrifice, and the knowledge of God more than burnt offerings." (5) Because of the Lord's displeasure, the Israelites sought to appease Him with many and costly sacrifices. Samuel, the prophet, put it best when he said, "Has the Lord as great delight in burnt offerings and sacrifices, as in obeying the voice of the Lord? Behold, to obey is better than sacrifice, and to heed than the fat of rams." (6)

The "knowledge of God" is more important than "burnt offerings." Knowledge is the guide of proper conduct. Mercy is religion in practice. Without these two basic elements religion tends to be merely an empty form without inspiration or satisfaction. Although the Pharisees thought so highly of themselves, they were really in a worse condition than the ones they despised. The tax collectors and sinners referred to were less bigoted and self-sufficient, and were more open to the influence of the truth than the rabbis. Jesus said to the scribes and Pharisees, "Go and learn what this means: 'I desire mercy and not sacrifice.' " By this He showed that while they claimed to understand and expound on the word of God, they were wholly ignorant of its spirit. The Pharisees were silenced for a time, but only became more determined in their enmity against Christ.

"The sacrifices of God are a broken spirit, a broken and a contrite heart-- These, O God, You will not despise." (7)

1. Matthew 9:13.
2. see Mark 2:15.
3. Matthew 9:11.
4. Matthew 9:12, 13.
5. Hosea 6:4, 6.
6. 1 Samuel 15:22.
7. Psalm 51:17.