Matthew 9 - 11.29.21

Scripture

Matthew 9:12-13

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.

Observation 

Several times throughout Jesus’ life, but in this chapter particularly, He is questioned about His motives and choice of company. Here, Jesus finally answers them regarding this and He quotes scripture in His response. 

Understanding 

Oftentimes this verse is used in conjunction with the value of sharing the gospel with others who do not yet know Jesus or have a relationship with Him. While I love the truth and power behind that first sentence, that is not why I chose this particular verse today. I got hung up on the difference between mercy and sacrifice. I, like many of us I think, am very much a words person but for some reason I couldn’t sort the difference between the two words today. According to the old reliable Google mercy is defined as the following: compassion or forgiveness shown toward someone whom it is within one’s power to punish or harm. Whereas sacrifice is defined as the following: surrendering a possession as an offering to God. 

While I think Google has most certainly gotten these definitions right, there is one thing that I would like to add to the definition of mercy. I believe mercy is compassion or forgiveness shown toward someone even when it is not deserved. Jesus calls for mercy, and mercy in this case is a choice. In other words, showing compassion and grace to people goes beyond teaching them the gospel. Even further than that it’s not a sacrifice, it’s a choice. Jesus chose to love extravagantly, and He came to love those who everyone else cast aside. This chapter is full of those people and the way that He chose to love, maybe we ought to follow His example.

Life Application

Grace gave a wonderful sermon about giving generously yesterday, and maybe that’s the best place to start in terms of loving people like Christ did. Maybe for others its time you show mercy to someone that you have been harboring feelings against. And remember it’s not a sacrifice, it’s a choice! 

-Allison Khan