How does Jesus reference Hosea 6:6 in Matthew 9:13 and 12:7? Setting of Hosea 6:6 • Hosea speaks to a wayward Israel whose worship has become hollow. • God declares, “For I desire mercy, not sacrifice, and the knowledge of God rather than burnt offerings.” (Hosea 6:6) • Mercy (Hebrew ḥesed) is loyal love—covenant faithfulness expressed in compassion. • The verse does not abolish sacrifice; it places heart-level love and relational knowledge of God above ritual performance (cf. 1 Samuel 15:22; Psalm 51:16-17; Micah 6:6-8). Jesus Invokes Hosea in Matthew 9:13 • Setting: Jesus has just called Matthew, then shares a meal with tax collectors and sinners (Matthew 9:9-11). • Pharisees object; Jesus replies: “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) • Key points: – “Go and learn” was a rabbinic way of saying, “You’ve missed the point of Scripture.” – Mercy toward repentant sinners mirrors God’s own heart (Luke 15:1-7). – Sacrifice without compassion misrepresents God; reaching the lost fulfills His purpose (Mark 2:17). Jesus Invokes Hosea in Matthew 12:7 • Setting: Disciples pluck grain on the Sabbath; Pharisees allege law-breaking (Matthew 12:1-2). • Jesus cites examples (David eating the showbread; priests working on Sabbath) and concludes: “If only you had known the meaning of ‘I desire mercy, not sacrifice,’ you would not have condemned the innocent.” (Matthew 12:7) • Key points: – Ritual law never overrides the well-being of people made in God’s image. – Mercy guides the right application of Sabbath law (cf. Mark 2:27). – Jesus, “Lord of the Sabbath” (Matthew 12:8), authoritatively interprets Scripture. Thread That Ties the Passages Together • Hosea 6:6 is not a rejection of sacrificial worship but a reordering of priorities: mercy first. • In both Matthew scenes, religious leaders elevate regulations above compassion. • Jesus restores Hosea’s balance—true obedience blends right belief, right worship, and right treatment of others. • By quoting Hosea, Jesus affirms the enduring authority of the Old Testament while exposing legalism that ignores its heart. Implications for Us Today • Worship and service must flow from genuine, merciful love. • Doctrinal precision is vital, yet hollow without active compassion (James 2:13-17). • Evangelism mirrors Jesus’ table fellowship: welcoming sinners and guiding them to repentance. • Sabbath-type practices (corporate worship, spiritual disciplines) must refresh and bless people, not burden them. • At the cross, Jesus combines mercy and sacrifice—offering Himself once for all while granting sinners the compassion Hosea foretold (Hebrews 10:10-12). |
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