Matthew 9:14

"But you go and learn what this means: ‘I desire mercy, and not sacrifice,’ for I came not to call the righteous, but sinners to repentance.”"

Key Reflection

Jesus uses this verse to challenge the Pharisees' focus on strict religious observances, emphasizing that his mission is about showing mercy to those in need of forgiveness rather than judging the righteous. By quoting Hosea 6:6, he underscores that true faith involves compassion and repentance more than ritualistic sacrifices.

From the Scholars: Barnes' Notes

Verses 14,15. Then came to him the disciples of John, etc. See also Mr 2:18-22; Lu 5:33-39. That is, of John the Baptist. It is probable that they had understood that John was the forerunner of the Messiah; and if such was the case, they could not account for the fact that there was such a difference between them and the disciples of Jesus. The Pharisees fasted often, regularly twice a week, besides the great national days of fasting, Lu 18:12. See Barnes "Mt 6:16-18". This was the established custom of the land, and John did not feel himself authorized to make so great a change as to dispense with it. They were desirous of knowing, therefore, why Jesus had done it.

Related Verses

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