Let us reflect on an important scenario in the gospel of today, as I quote: “…the Pharisees noticed it and said to him, ‘Look, your disciples are doing something that is forbidden on the sabbath….”
The Pharisees drew Jesus’ attention to the fact that his disciples disobeyed the law by not keeping the sabbath day holy and have sinned. In this way, the Pharisees demanded in style that Jesus should condemn his disciples, but Jesus is more interested in MERCY rather than condemning his disciples in their sins.
And so Jesus answered the Pharisees in defense of his disciples thus, “…Have you not read what David did when he and his followers were hungry – how he went into the house of God and how they ate the loaves of offering which neither he nor his followers were allowed to eat, but which were for the priests alone?….”
We must bear in mind that, if the Lord should mark our guilt, no one would survive. And so, it is not in the interest of God that His children should suffer. Therefore, He sent his Son not to condemn us in our sin but to grant us salvation. Even in our persistency in unfaithfulness, God continues to be faithful to his words. Consequently, he tells us today, and i quote, “…what I want is mercy, not sacrifice, you would not have condemned the blameless. For the Son of Man is master of the sabbath.” These words are directed to the Pharisees and those who have failed to show mercy to others.
Christ shows mercy to the disciples who broke the law and sinned. It’s a call for us, too, to show mercy to those who do us wrong and those found in error.
Your offertory, your tithe, your donations, and material contributions in different churches do not move the heart of God if your heart is full of unforgiveness and lacked actions and works of mercy.
Remember this scriptures, “If you are about to offer a sacrifice and remember that your brother has something against you, you should leave your offering, go and be reconciled with your brother, and then return to offer your gift.” (Matthew 5:23-24)
NB: “What I want is mercy, not sacrifice.”
Peace be with you
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