Jesus Urges Compassion

But go and learn what this means: “I desire compassion, and not sacrifice.” -Matthew 9:13

Jesus never shied away from speaking directly and bluntly if the situation demanded such talk. Here He pins the Jewish leaders to the wall by quoting from their own most honored scriptural authorities. Their own prophets rebuke them for their spiritual ignorance and their lack of obedience to God’s clear commands.

Jesus paraphrases Hosea’s prophetic and divinely inspired words: “I delight in loyalty rather than sacrifice, and in the knowledge of God rather than burnt offerings” (Hos. 6:6). The perfect Word of God should have been the Pharisees’ supreme concern, as it should be ours, rather than the flawed words and ideas of humanity. Without true and godly compassion, all the Pharisees’ rituals, ceremonies, and sacrifices were worth nothing to God. The person who is indifferent toward other people verifies that he or she is also indifferent toward God, no matter how correct their theology or impeccable their morality.

Ritual separated from righteousness and a concern for the downtrodden and lost has always been an affront to God. Through the prophet Amos, the Lord declared, “Take away from Me the noise of your songs; I will not even listen to the sound of your harps. But let justice roll down like waters and righteousness like an ever-flowing stream” (Amos 5:23–24).

Who is My Neighbor?

Most of us would say we love God. But, do we also love our neighbor? Before we answer yes to this question, it is important to understand Jesus’ definition of a neighbor, exactly who He demands we love, and what that love looks like.

What matters most? Jesus says it is loving God and loving our neighbor. He helps us understand what loving God looks like by telling us that “Whoever has my commands and obeys them, he is the one who loves me.” What about loving our neighbors? When Jesus demands that we love our "neighbor" it is clear that He is speaking about more than just those who live on your block. After all, if "your neighbor" is defined as “your friends”, then just about all of us would pass the test with flying colors. However, according to the definition Jesus gives in the story of the “Good Samaritan”, your neighbor may be someone you don't even know. He may be someone who is unfriendly and unlovely and unable to repay you for your kindness. He may be someone who requires your time, money, and effort. The parable of the "Good Samaritan" makes it obvious that your neighbor is really anyone whose need you see and are able to meet. God demonstrated His love for people by sending them His only Son. Does God love people? Look to the cross and you will clearly see the answer is an emphatic and undeniable YES! Similarly, God calls us to die to self, lay down our rights, and love people. Like Christ, we are called to demonstrate our love for others in real ways. Love is not just a thought or a good intention. Rather, love is only love when it is put into action. So, do you love your neighbor? Do you love people? How about your enemies? There is nothing in the universe that matters more to God than people and as followers of Christ we must have this same passion and active love for people – all people.