Matthew 12:7…………Working

Matthew 12:7…………Working

7 If you had known what these words mean, ‘I desire mercy, not sacrifice,-(Hos. 6:6) you would not have condemned the innocent. (For a Complete Expository see Book) 

Extended Sermon Notes

“Calls for going beyond merely following religious practices to living out our faith through acts of love, kindness, and compassion.” ⇒ It’s the practice of compassion that should distinguish the people of God rather that the scrupulous observance of outward regulations no matter how sacred. Love and compassion should be at the core of our faith. When we extend a helping hand, offer a kind word, or show understanding to those in need, we are not just following a religion; we are living out the essence of what it means to be a follower of Christ.

“Teaches when a choice has to be made between rules & mercy, always choose mercy even if it means bending the rules” ⇒ Whenever forced to make a choice between compassion and the rules I’m going to choose compassion. If forced between mercy and rules I’m gonna choose mercy. If forced to choose between love and the rules, I’m gonna choose love.

More Notes & Applications

Teaches how we should be more concerned with meeting people’s needs than about protecting our religious traditions.

Calls for going beyond superficial religiosity and to a heartfelt devotion to God that manifests in acts of mercy and compassion.

Teaches how religious rules and rituals were never intended to prohibit works necessary in deeds of mercy.

There is nothing wrong in being ritualistically observant. The problem arises, though, when in our effort to do so we fail to show mercy.  It is not always profitable to win. Sometimes we just need to be merciful. While traditions have value and can enhance spiritual growth, they should not become barriers to showing mercy. Believers must discern when to uphold traditions and when to prioritize acts of kindness and compassion. This balance ensures that religious practices remain meaningful and aligned with God’s desires.

Jesus is not simply asking for a mercy that withholds judgment. But a mercy that responds to the suffering and afflictions of others.

In context the quotation of Hosea 6:6 is about the Prophet Hosea dealing with Israel’s Idolatry and unfaithfulness to God. On the one hand they were doing all the outward ceremonies and religious stuff; observing the laws, festivals, Temple sacrifices, etc. While at the same time they were worshipping Baal and other god’s. They were worshipping God while their hearts were completely detached from what they were really doing. And Jesus takes that moment in Israel’s history and applies it to the Pharisees in doing the same thing. They were so possessed with the ceremonial regulations of the Law. So preoccupied with the in’s-and-out’s of the Law in a legalistic way. That they were actually missing the whole point, that it was about mercy, compassion, and steadfast love. It was about loving God and loving Neighbor. They were all about their religious observances and regulations, while their hearts were being untrue and unfaithful to the living God.