Mercy, Not Sacrifice

Applying the Bible · Aug 5, 2021 · 8m

In Matthew 9, Jesus responded to the Pharisees who had asked why He eats with tax collectors and sinners by saying, “Those who are well have no need of a physician, but those who are sick. Go and learn what this means, ‘I desire mercy, and not sacrifice.’ For I came not to call the righteous, but the sinners.” (Matthew 9:12-13)

Then only a few chapters later, we see the follow up in Matthew 12, as the Pharisees were taking issue with the disciples plucking heads of grain on the Sabbath as they were walking through the grain fields, errantly claiming it was unlawful. Jesus responded with “I…