“When Jesus heard that, He said to them, ‘Those who are well have no need of a physician, but those who are sick. But go and learn what this means: “I desire mercy and not sacrifice.” For I did not come to call the righteous, but sinners, to repentance.’” Matthew 9:12-13
The Pharisees (a legalistic sect that believed one could be righteous in God’s eyes by strictly observing the law) were critical of Jesus for eating with tax collectors and sinners, but Jesus pointed out that He came to save sinners by calling on them to repent and look to Him in faith for God’s pardon and forgiveness. God desires mercy rather than a legalistic fulfillment of the law regarding sacrifices (cf. Hosea 6:6). He desires true repentance and faith rather than an outward performance of religious rites and rituals.
O gracious and merciful God, grant that I show mercy toward others and forgive them as You have forgiven me for the sake of Christ Jesus and His cross. Amen.
[Scripture is taken from the New King James Version®. Copyright © 1982 by Thomas Nelson. Used by permission. All rights reserved.]