Isn't it Ironic?

“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 ESV)

In this passage, Jesus uses Hosea 6:6 to implicate the Pharisees in their evil. Jesus is essentially comparing them to the perverted priests of Hosea's time. Jesus also tells the Pharisees and us that Christ desires acts of mercy instead of religious acts.

As Christians, we should strive to be well-rounded in both our religious service and our human service. Our acts of kindness and mercy, when done with a sincere heart, not only reflect Christ's likeness but also have the power to transform us. They are not just deeds but opportunities for personal growth and spiritual development. Without them, we risk becoming mere imitations of the Pharisees, devoid of the true spirit of Christianity.

The irony is thick and heavy in this passage and Matthew 12:7. Jesus’ confronting hypocrisy, evil, and all the sins of humans taught them to be merciful. He taught them how to love like God. How to serve others, and how to help those in need. Ironically, some people, including the Pharisees and Sadducees, showed Christ no mercy; there was no love nor grace. Still, Jesus willingly went to the slaughter, and it was necessary.

Ironically, the man who taught mercy received none. In John 8, Jesus had mercy on the adulterous woman when she, by the law, deserved to be stoned to death. Reminding those around him that they were sinners, Jesus showed mercy and saved the woman. Under the whip, bleeding before the very crowd he had taught mercy and grace, he was condemned. Nailed to a cross, mocked, and dying, there was no mercy. To add further to the irony, after rising from the dead, Christ, through his mercy and grace, offered salvation to the humanity that killed him. He died for their sin then and our sins now, our hands no cleaner than Pilates or the Pharisees.

Christian mercy is essential. Mercy fosters compassion. The act of mercy, like Christ, shines light in a darkened world. Mercy births forgiveness, forgiveness gifts love, and love, as Christ taught us, is found in the most important two commandments:

 37 “You shall love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your mind. 38 This is the great and first commandment. 39 And a second is like it: You shall love your neighbor as yourself. 40 On these two commandments depend all the Law and the Prophets.” (Matthew 22:37-40 ESV)

Be merciful as God has been merciful to you. God was merciful when Christ saved you through your faith in Him. Every time you repent your sins, God shows you mercy. Should you not do the same for those around you?

Grace and Peace!