Desired Mercy

“Go and learn what this means: ‘I desire mercy, and not sacrifice.’ For I came not to call the righteous, but sinners,” (Matthew 9:13).

Tax collectors and sinners breaking bread with Jesus. Shortly before this meal, Jesus tells Matthew, who was actively collecting taxes, “Follow me.” Matthew did just that. Now, he finds himself sharing a meal with his peers. And, there is Jesus, stating, “Go and learn what this means: ‘I desire mercy, and not sacrifice.’ For I came not to call the righteous, but sinners,” (Matthew 9:13).

Mercy and not sacrifice. What does mercy encompass? Some may think it involves showing kindness, but that only touches the surface of what Jesus desires. The meaning goes deeper, involving compassion and forgiveness. It is seeing past the superficial, and through God’s lens, revealing the internal. It is restraining from retaliating and seeking to understand another person before responding. It involves wisdom and discernment. It requires God.

Showing mercy is not always easy, but that is why God desires it. We live in a fallen world filled with lost people. They pursue the desires of the flesh and ignore their Creator. Before we knew Jesus, we were those people. And yet, God sacrificed His Son for us. He showed us mercy. It is the same mercy He has shown all people through the blood of Jesus.

We are often told to live in expectation of what God can do for us, but there’s another side to that. We should live under the expectation of what God wants from us. Mercy is one of those desires. Consider how showing mercy can change your life and the lives of those around you.

Prayer: Lord, Father in Heaven, Your mercy over our lives is the same mercy we are to express to others. There are times that we just do not seem to have the capacity to do that. We pray that we see through your lens. Reveal to us those who require the same mercy that you have shown us. Give us wisdom, discernment, and understanding that only come from You. Move in and through us as we face the challenge to fight our sinful nature and pride, laying them down for Your desires. May Your truth be in our hearts and on our tongues as we encounter others. In those moments, may we encounter You as well.  In Jesus’ name, Amen.