Last night, Alvin did a great job in facilitating our bible study on Matthew 9:9-13. This is the story of Jesus dining with "many tax collectors and sinners" at Matthew's house. What stood out to us was Jesus' willingness to approach people who were rejected and despised by society. Surely, dining with these people would have done nothing for Jesus' reputation. Yet, Jesus was far more concerned with bringing people into a relationship with God than with preserving his reputation.
Jesus doesn't let society's labels (or even our own) stop him from seeing who we truly are. He looks past the mistakes and the failures. Yet, He doesn't ignore our condition; He knows we are in need of healing. "It is the sick I have come to save," He says, and there is so much compassion in his words. It struck me that Jesus offers true healing and redemption for those who recognise their need of Him. Those who think they are well have no need for the Great Physician.
One of the most impactful moments in the story for us was when Jesus quoted Hosea 6:6 - "I desire mercy, not sacrifice." In our discussion, we explored how God values compassion over mere ritual. The Pharisees focused on outward obedience, but Jesus emphasised God's heart: mercy, love and forgiveness towards his children. Who do we imagine God to be? Primarily a wrathful God, who demands that you try harder every time you miss the mark? The truth is, there are many sacrifices we can make for Him, without actually loving Him. Outward perfection and holiness is not the point.
As I pondered over the verse, I realised that my reading of it has always been that God desires for us to show mercy to other people ("I desire mercy from you, not sacrifice"). And while that is true, I believe another interpretation of Hosea 6:6 that is in line with God's character is that He desires first and foremost to show His children mercy when they fall short, not to demand from them a sacrifice ("I desire to show you mercy, not sacrifice"). I believe it is God's whole heart for His children to experience His compassion, and draw near to Him.
This love can't be earned or deserved. It is simply given, and in accepting it, we are washed clean. His grace empties us of any self-righteousness and fills us with the truth that we are indeed loved unconditionally. It is a radical thing to believe, because it is almost too good to be true.
This kind of love calls for a response. Because God has shown us such compassion, we are called to go and do the same. Experiencing His mercy firsthand should leave us with a desire to see others as He does -- and to show them the same love we have received.
In closing, here are some reflection questions:
Are there people or groups in your life that you avoid, or judge? How might you extend compassion towards them, as Jesus did?
What labels, or mistakes do you carry? How do you think Jesus sees you in light of those?
What does "I desire mercy, not sacrifice" mean to you?
Blessings!
Lycia
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