Today’s Encouragement is Matthew 9:13 NLT Then he [Jesus] added, “Now go and learn the meaning of this Scripture: ‘I want you to show mercy, not offer sacrifices.’ For I have come to call not those who think they are righteous, but those who know they are sinners.”
Mercy, not Sacrifice –
One key aspect of Jesus’ teaching was correcting the misunderstanding and error in the hearts and minds of His people. He taught, “You have heard it said…, But I say to you…” (see Matt. 5:21, 27, 31)
In today’s passage, He reveals what God desires from us… which is Mercy, not sacrifice.
Too often we think, or even hear preached… Jesus sacrificed Himself for us, so we must sacrifice ourselves for Him. Is this true?
Certainly, we surrender our lives, our will, and our desires to Him. We do so willingly in full knowledge and faith that He can and will lead and control our lives, infinitely better than we can!
But friends, we must stop short of climbing onto the Cross as if our death was needed as a sacrifice for sin. Because Jesus was, and forever is, The Final and Perfect Sacrifice. We cannot add to it, nor mimic it. Our imperfect sacrifices do not, cannot enhance our righteousness, nor gain us favor with God.
But… instead, we are told clearly… Mercy is what pleases God! When we demonstrate sincere Mercy for other people, God’s Heart is touched, and He is pleased with us. Imagine your children demonstrating mercy to each other… could any act be more heartwarming to you? And multiplied by billions… so God’s heart is warmed by Mercy! But not by sacrifice.
Father God, open our eyes and hearts to Your endless mercy, and then help us to reflect Your Mercy to those around us.
Mercy
Matt Redman
Today’s Encouragement 