Jesus vs the Pharisees
One of the characteristics of the Pharisees in Jesus’ day was their obsession with pointing out the sins of people and their lack of holiness. The woman caught in adultery or the prostitute who washed the feet of Jesus are just a couple of examples where the Pharisees exposed the sins of these people and desired they be dealt with harshly. How did Jesus respond? He didn’t condemn them nor did He threaten them with God’s wrath or punishment. He forgave both women and set them free from their accusers while empowering them through forgiveness to love God and leave their sin behind them. The Pharisees couldn’t understand how extending mercy to such vile wicked sinners could possibly change their life much less their behavior.
The Pharisees in Jesus’s day are no different to modern day Pharisees who are quick to point out people’s sin and demand they live disciplined and holy lives. What did Jesus know about showing sinners mercy that the Pharisees didn’t? Jesus challenges the Pharisees and says “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
One interesting fact about the Pharisees is to be one you had to memorize the Torah which are the first five books of the Bible written by Moses. They also were required to be well read and knowledgeable about all the other books as well. The challenge Jesus is giving them is designed to show them they were focusing on keeping laws, rules etc. yet they missed an even more important subject that brought into focus the reason behind those rules and laws. When Jesus asked them to figure out what “this means” He was quoting a passage of scripture they should have known. “For I desired mercy, and not sacrifice; and the knowledge of God more than burnt offerings.” Hosea 6:6 If they had taken the time to study passages that revealed God’s heart and intentions toward man, they might have had a better grasp on why Jesus saw mercy as a powerful tool in turning sinners to God and away from sin.
What Jesus was saying is if the Pharisees knew God and understood what really mattered to God, they would not put such overemphasis on rules or such things as ritual cleanliness and restrictive Sabbath observance and sacrifices for sin etc.. This wouldn’t be the first time Jesus tried to correct and help the Pharisees refocus on what was important to God. Jesus rebuked them in Luke 11:42, “But woe to you, Pharisees! for you tithe mint and rue and all manner of herbs, and pass over judgment and the love of God: these ought you to have done, and not to leave the other undone.”
The Pharisees believed that God accepts and blesses a person based on their personal holiness. Jesus knew His father loved people and didn’t need “their” sacrifices to earn His favor or love. That when one connects to God in their heart by knowing and experiencing His mercy for them, His mercy has the ability to transform them and their desires.
“Love, mercy and truth purge the heart of sin, Proverbs 16:6
God’s love reveals His mercy to people and the “truth” is God is a good God. When people know and walk in the reality of God’s love and mercy for them that is the “truth” that Jesus said would set people free.
“and you will know the truth, and the truth will set you free.” John 8:32
