What is the meaning of Matthew 9:13? But go and learn what this means Jesus speaks these words to the Pharisees after they criticize Him for eating with tax collectors and sinners. By telling them to “go and learn,” He sends recognized teachers back to Scripture—implying they have missed its heart. • Hosea 6:6 (quoted here) had long been in their scrolls, yet their lives showed little understanding of it. • Micah 6:6-8 underscores that God’s requirements begin with “to act justly, to love mercy, and to walk humbly.” • 1 Samuel 15:22 reminds that “to obey is better than sacrifice.” Christ’s directive still calls us to examine our own handling of God’s Word, not merely to know verses but to live them. I desire mercy, not sacrifice Quoting Hosea 6:6, Jesus affirms that heartfelt compassion outranks ritual performance. Sacrifices were commanded, but they were never a substitute for love. • Isaiah 1:11-17 reveals God weary of offerings divorced from justice and care for the oppressed. • Proverbs 21:3 agrees: “To do righteousness and justice is more acceptable to the LORD than sacrifice.” • Matthew 12:7 shows Jesus repeating this truth when His disciples pluck grain on the Sabbath. Mercy reflects God’s own character; sacrifice without mercy is empty religion. For I have not come to call the righteous The Lord is not saying some people are truly righteous on their own; rather, He addresses those who think they are. • Romans 3:10 insists, “There is no one righteous, not even one.” • Isaiah 64:6 pictures all self-made righteousness as “filthy rags.” • Luke 5:31-32 (parallel account) explains, “It is not the healthy who need a doctor.” Self-satisfied hearts feel no need for the Great Physician, so they miss the call. But sinners Here is the mission statement of Christ’s earthly ministry. • 1 Timothy 1:15: “Christ Jesus came into the world to save sinners.” • Romans 5:8: While we were still sinners, Christ died for us. • Luke 19:10: He came “to seek and to save that which was lost.” • 1 John 1:9 promises forgiveness to any who confess. Jesus’ table fellowship with tax collectors foreshadowed the gospel invitation that still welcomes every repentant sinner today. summary Matthew 9:13 confronts empty religiosity and highlights God’s priority: compassionate obedience flowing from a humble heart. The Lord sends even the learned back to Scripture, declares mercy greater than ritual, exposes self-righteousness, and openly extends His call to sinners. His words compel us to cherish mercy, renounce self-reliance, and embrace the Savior who came specifically for the lost. |
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