But go and learn what this means: I desire mercy, not sacrifice. For I have not come to call the righteous, but sinners.

Matthew 9:13

Jesus is speaking to the Pharisees when He quotes the first part of this verse from Hosea 6:6. “I desire mercy, not sacrifice.” The Jewish rulers followed all the rituals of the Jewish faith, like sacrifices and such, with great detail, but their hearts were cold and merciless. So, Jesus gives them a challenge to go and learn the meaning of God’s words, what it means to be merciful. God is not pleased with rituals separated from personal godliness in our lives. This is precisely what the Pharisees had done. They observed the letter of the Law but had no compassion for those who needed spiritual help. They associated only with self-righteous people like themselves.

So, in contrast to this, Jesus informs them that HE did not come to call the righteous, but the sinners Luke (19:10). Well you can just imagine how this infuriated the Pharisees!

Jesus perfectly fulfilled God’s desire for mercy. When He walked this earth He served people, all people, not just the desirable ones. He ate with the loathed tax collectors, He talked with a hated Samaritan woman at the well, and He healed hundreds of people who were infirmed and forgotten by society. He came to call people to repentance, and He changed their lives for the better. Our precious Lord Jesus is the very heart of God!

As Christians it can become all too easy to just help and pray for those in our own churches that we see every Sunday. Lord help us to obey the calling that Christ has given us by going into all the world and preach the gospel (Mark 16:15).

Father God, thank You for sending Jesus to die for my sins. Thank You for His life lived as an example to us. Help me to have Your eyes Abba and to see those in my community that You want me to help, those that need Your saving grace. I give You all honor, praise, and glory this day, and pray I see others through your eyes today, Amen!

May others see in me a reflection of you and your righteous character, gracious compassion, and faithful lovingkindness. In the name of Jesus, I pray. Amen.