Monday 6 October 2025
"But if you had known what this means, ‘I desire mercy and not sacrifice,’ you would not have condemned the guiltless. For the Son of Man is lord of the sabbath.” (vs 7-8)
Background
Matthew sees the Pharisees as zealous supporters of Judaism, which contrasts with Jesus’ interpretation of the law, including the observance of the sabbath. The sabbath is a weekly day of rest – a day for rejoicing in the Temple.
As Jesus’ disciples pick and eat the corn on the sabbath, the Pharisees were suspicious of Jesus, because he was allowing his disciples to disregard the rules of sabbath law. They were quick to point this out to him.
Jesus responded with three points.
Firstly, in verse 4 he recalled the story of King David and his men, who were so hungry that they went into the tabernacle and ate the bread that only the priests could eat (1 Samuel 21:1-6). This was a sacred bread, given as an offering of thanksgiving to God, but as they were so hungry and in need there was no guilt or blame for their actions. Their need took precedence over the rules of the sabbath.
Secondly, in verse 5 Jesus referred to the work that the priests need to do on the sabbath. The Temple’s rituals of sacrifice meant that the fires had to be lit and the animals had to be slaughtered, prepared and made ready on the altar. No doubt there was more work to be done on the sabbath due to the increase in people expected to attend. So, Jesus asks, are the priests guilty of working on the sabbath and breaking their own rules?
Thirdly, in verse 7 he quotes God’s words to the prophet Hosea (Hosea 6:6) "I desire mercy and not sacrifice." By using this verse, Jesus points out that God prefers compassion for those in need over the rules of ritual and sacrifice; and as Son of Man, Jesus cares for and defends his disciples and others in need.
To Ponder:
- There are so many people in the world today who are in need and in poverty from famine – innocents caught up in war. Where do we find compassion overriding rules and regulations? Or, where does this need to happen? How does the Church help those in need in your local community? What more could be done and how can you help?
- How do you feel about ‘working on the sabbath’, if we take the sabbath to mean a Sunday?
- If Sunday is not a rest day for you and you are not able to go to your place of worship then, when do you take your sabbath?
Prayer
Compassionate God, give us the wisdom and the better judgement to do the best we can, with the resources we have, to help those in need. Help us to be a voice for the voiceless, to stand up for justice and peace in a world that is governed by rules and regulations. Help us to question the reasoning behind some of the big decisions that are made. Amen.
Bible notes author: The Revd Ann Fox
The Revd Fox is Superintendent Minister of Tadcaster Circuit. She is called to serve alongside others and enjoys caring for older people and receiving inspiration from children and young people. She has recently enjoyed being with a group of young people from her circuit at 3Generate, the Methodist event for young people aged 4–18 years.