In yet another of his disputes with the Pharisees, Jesus tries to encourage them to orient their devotion to God around a differing organizing principal. They are oriented around a strict obedience of the Law. Jesus and his disciples (in Matthew 12) have broken one of those laws, and the Pharisees are being critical.
In his attempts to help them, Jesus says, “If you had known what this means, ‘I desire mercy, and not sacrifice,’ you would not have condemned the guiltless.”
The instructive value of this verse should not be lost on us. We are not Pharisees; however we sometimes encounter those who ground their devotion in sacrifice. We speak of being “pure” and
“holy” as qualities obtain by remaining unstained by sin. We hear talk of avoiding particular behaviors as a way of demonstrating our commitment to Christ.
Not engaging in hurtful or harmful behaviors is wonderful. But Matthew 12 would remind us that our avoidance should be based on a desire to show mercy. “Sacrificing” for the sake of Jesus, is an orientation point we might want to avoid.
“I desire mercy, and not sacrifice.” Jesus reveals that his way, his point of orientation is to look for opportunities to do good. He will serve God by showing to others the mercy God has shown.
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