What is mercy?
Why is mercy more important than sacrifice?
Why is this saying so important?
Please read Matthew 12:7-8
Vs. 6 “I tell you that something greater than the temple is here. If you had known what these words mean, ‘I desire mercy, not sacrifice,’ you would not have condemned the innocent.”
Twice in Matthew when Jesus was being told He or his disciples were not “doing” the right thing under the law, Jesus made the above statement. To me that makes it kind of important.
Mercy is a wonderful word and it is well worth looking up in a Thesaurus. When you do you find words like “compassion, understanding, sympathy, humanity, leniency and grace” come up. In fact one of the words for it in the Thesaurus for mercy is “Blessing.”
Jesus came to fulfill the law which means to fill the righteous requirements for it. Acceptance of Him creates a new relationship with God- one based on mercy. Mercy in fact is what Jesus wants from us- NOT works or sacrifice.
It’s interesting that both times Jesus said this is when He was being condemned. Why is that interesting?
Because as I write this and as you read this many of us are condemning ourselves aren’t we?
Mercy here is not just you showing mercy to others- which is a great thing don’t get me wrong and I believe the true mark of a follower of Christ. But mercy here is showing mercy to yourself also- just like Jesus does.
Jesus did the sacrifice and that part is done- now what He seeks are mercy givers- first to themselves and then to others. Here is where faith grows you have to have faith that He Loves you and has forgiven you of ALL your sins.
Here is a meditation for you. Find a time and a place where you probably won’t be disturbed. Take several deep breaths and with every exhale give Him your stress. Relax and really focus on resting in Him and relaxing your muscles, especially the muscles in your jaw and face. Close your eyes and begin to get a picture of something from your past that you still haven’t forgiven yourself for and you don’t think God can either. As you get that picture see Jesus take that picture and shrink it down into a very small size. See Him look at you and say, “My Grace is sufficient for you, believe in me and you are forgiven.” As you get this picture:
Breathe in and say:
“God let me”
Breathe out and say:
“Shine your mercy”
Practice this until you realize that because of His blood you are “the innocent!”
Don’t Worry- Be Grace-Full!!