Matthew 9:13

But go ye and learn what that meaneth, I will have mercy, and not sacrifice: for I am not come to call the righteous, but sinners to repentance.

Matthew 9:13 (KJV)

Context

Matthew 9:13 is part of a larger narrative in which Jesus calls Matthew, a tax collector, and then dines at his house with many tax collectors and sinners. The Pharisees criticize Jesus for associating with such people, and He responds by quoting from the Old Testament to correct their misunderstanding of God’s priorities.

Meaning

Jesus says, “But go ye and learn what that meaneth, I will have mercy, and not sacrifice.” The phrase “go and learn” was a common rabbinic expression used when urging someone to study and understand a Scripture passage. Jesus is telling the Pharisees to examine the true meaning of the words He quotes, which emphasize that God desires mercy and compassion more than rigid adherence to religious rituals and sacrifices.

The contrast between mercy and sacrifice is central. The Pharisees were meticulous in following the law and offering sacrifices, yet their hearts lacked true mercy and love for others. God values acts of kindness and forgiveness more than external religious observances alone. This does not negate the Old Testament sacrificial system, but it prioritizes the inward disposition of mercy over outward ceremony.

Jesus then states, “for I am not come to call the righteous, but sinners to repentance.” The “righteous” here refers to those who consider themselves righteous based on their own merit and therefore see no need for repentance. Jesus came to call sinners—those who acknowledge their need for salvation and are willing to turn away from their sins and follow Him. This underscores the universal need for repentance and the central place of repentance in Jesus’ ministry.

Biblical connections

The quotation Jesus uses is from Hosea 6:6, and it is indispensable to understanding His rebuke. In its original context, Hosea calls Israel to recognize that God desires steadfast love and knowledge of Him more than empty sacrifices. Jesus applies this principle to the Pharisees, showing that their focus on ritual missed the heart of God’s law.

Application

• The verse reminds us that God values a merciful and compassionate heart. It challenges us to prioritize love and kindness towards others rather than focusing solely on religious rituals or legalistic practices.

• We are called to extend the same mercy and grace that God has shown us to those who may be considered “sinners” or marginalized by society.

• It encourages us to examine our hearts and motives, ensuring that our religious practices are not empty rituals but are motivated by a genuine love for God and others.

• We should remember that Jesus came to call sinners to repentance, offering forgiveness and salvation to all who are willing to turn away from their old ways and follow Him.

Reflection

By studying Matthew 9:13, we gain a deeper understanding of Jesus’ teachings, His emphasis on mercy, and His invitation to repentance and transformation. Jesus’ words challenge us to examine our own hearts and to embrace His call to extend mercy to others, just as He has extended it to us.