I was preparing a message and I was struck by this. Jesus is speaking to the Pharisees who prized sacrifice and minimized mercy, it seems. Obviously this was written by Matthew because Jesus was speaking to us too. I identify with the Pharisees because I can see that I much prefer sacrifice to mercy or compassion. I am defining sacrifice broadly. The Pharisees would have too. Not just animal sacrifice but giving money to the temple, giving alms, fasting, celebrating all the Jewish high holy days. Yet they did it without compassion.
Jesus said, "God desires mercy, not sacrifice." It is easier for me to sacrifice: money, time, talent (such as it is) rather than feel compassion or loving towards those less well off than me. Why is this bad? Bottom line, because God is a compassionate God. All my sacrifice does not glorify God if it does not include compassion, mercy. All Jesus' healing were done because he felt compassion for someone who had a need, not because he felt an obligation. He did not do good to make himself feel holy.
Lord help me, Lord help all of us to feel compassion for our fellow man. Good works do not make us righteous. Only Jesus can make his righteous through his work on the cross. So our works are done in grateful response. Remember his amazing love for us and reflect it back on those around us. We can be compassionate on all people, not just people we might consider less fortunate.
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