Sometimes things just don’t make sense.
Like this:
But when Jesus heard this, He said, “It is not those who are healthy who need a physician, but those who are sick. “But go and learn what this means: ‘I DESIRE COMPASSION, AND NOT SACRIFICE,’ for I did not come to call the righteous, but sinners.” – Matthew 9:12-13 NASB
What’s with the bit in the middle? The surrounds of this quote go together, but what’s this middle piece about?
“But go learn what this means.”
Think about the scene for a minute.
The boys, (Jesus’ disciples,) under attack from the local neighborhood Pharisees, about the company Jesus is keeping. They give Jesus the “help” signal, so He gets up from His place at the table and presses back.
If the comments about the physician were not enough, He puts them in their place with a bit of homework.
Jesus schools the teachers–strike that–professors–of the day.
You ask my boys why I’m hanging with tax-collectors and sinners.
I ask you, why have you not yet learned that God is not interested in your bloody sacrifices to cover up your indifference to those He loves.
As Jesus looks in the faces of these Pharisees, He remembers the Fathers frustration with the religious centuries back when Isaiah said for Him:
“What are your multiplied sacrifices to Me?” Says the LORD.
“I have had enough of burnt offerings of rams And the fat of fed cattle; And I take no pleasure in the blood of bulls, lambs or goats.
“When you come to appear before Me, Who requires of you this trampling of My courts?
“Bring your worthless offerings no longer, Incense is an abomination to Me. New moon and sabbath, the calling of assemblies– I cannot endure iniquity and the solemn assembly.
“I hate your new moon festivals and your appointed feasts, They have become a burden to Me; I am weary of bearing them.
“So when you spread out your hands in prayer, I will hide My eyes from you; Yes, even though you multiply prayers, I will not listen. Your hands are covered with blood. – Isaiah 1:11-15 NASB
Why is the God who put all this in motion so frustrated, so angry, about the sacrifices of His people?
Because they have treated the sacrifice as the go-to, rather than walking in God’s ways, they just pay the fines. They don’t learn to love (that is, after all, what God is looking for) but continue to separate themselves from the ones who most need what they are supposed to have. A connection to God. They are supposed to be the bridges between God and man. They were supposed to help the people love God and teach them how to walk in His ways.
Instead, they exploit their sheep for money, or power, or fame, and then snub them as if they are lesser beings.
So Jesus hears the Pharisees deriding the boys for His choice of dinner mates, and it comes into clear relief. God cares about these people. They are sick and in need a physician, so God sent His word and healed them.
But you, you who should be putting salve on their wounds won’t even be seen with them. You keep them at arm’s length. You hate this riff-raff.
Go learn what this means, compassion not sacrifice.
Leave your gift at the altar and be reconciled.
When you stand praying, forgive.
Make the relationships right, love your neighbor, and you won’t need the blood of bulls and lambs for the forgiveness of your sins.
Care for the needy, the widows, the orphans.
Instead of looking at your neighbor as unworthy, and bringing your spotless lamb to be slaughtered for your sin, butcher the lamb and share it with your neighbor and be clean.
Go and learn what this means…
I’m trying Lord, I’m trying
Teach me.
See ya soon,
Peace,
Ben