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Read: Matthew 9:12-13
Listen: Matthew 9

On hearing this, Jesus said, “It is not the healthy who need a doctor, but the sick. But go and learn what this means: ‘I desire mercy, not sacrifice.’ For I have not come to call the righteous, but sinners.” Matthew 9:12-13

Jesus’s dinner with tax collectors and sinners gets the attention of the Pharisees. As the religious authority of the day, they come to Jesus, seemingly to accuse him of not understanding God or the Old Testament Law. In response, Jesus tells them to go learn what it means that God desires mercy, not sacrifice. This had to be a slap in the face to these leaders, as they should know this better than anyone else.

Mercy can be defined as the gift of God’s undeserved kindness and compassion. By contrast, while grace is God giving us what we did not and cannot earn (forgiveness and eternal life with him), mercy is his withholding of what we deserve (punishment and eternal separation from him). Understanding that we are sinful, cannot save ourselves and that Jesus is our only hope should cause us to extend mercy to others. Because we so desperately need mercy, we should be willing to give it freely. Think of it as “Mercy in, mercy out.” The challenge Jesus gave the Pharisees is a challenge for us today, “Go and learn.”

TODAY: Consider the question, “Who needs my mercy today?” Understand that while they probably don’t deserve it, this is what makes mercy so important. Send them a note or text telling them you are praying for them (and make sure you do!).

JESUS IN THE OLD TESTAMENT:

Read Ezekiel 35-36. Highlight anything that points to Jesus. Note the promise of restoration and a new heart. Consider how Jesus provides spiritual renewal and the indwelling Holy Spirit (John 14:26).