Matthew 9:13
Arabic 2018 (الترجمة الكاثوليكيّة (اليسوعيّة))
فهَلاَّ تَتعلَّمونَ مَعْنى هٰذه الآية: «إِنَّما أُريدُ الرَّحمَةَ لا الذَّبيحَة»، فإِنِّي ما جِئتُ لأَدعُوَ الأَبْرارَ، بَلِ الخاطِئين».
What Does This Mean?
Jesus is speaking to the Pharisees about mercy and sacrifice. He says that he came to call sinners to repentance, not just those who already think they are righteous.
Explained for Children
Imagine you have a friend who always does their chores but ignores their brother who plays video games all day. Jesus is saying it's better to be kind to the one who needs help instead of just patting yourself on the back for doing your chores.
Historical Background
Matthew wrote this verse around AD 80-90, intended for Jewish Christians and early believers. The cultural setting was a time when religious leaders emphasized strict adherence to laws and rituals over compassion.
Living It Out Today
A modern scenario could be someone who judges others harshly while ignoring their own flaws. Jesus would call them to show mercy and seek to help those they judge, instead of focusing solely on appearing righteous themselves.
Topics
mercyrepentancerighteousnessforgivenesscompassionsalvation
Related Verses
Frequently Asked Questions
What does 'I will have mercy, not sacrifice' mean?
This phrase means that God desires compassion and kindness towards others more than ritualistic sacrifices or religious practices devoid of genuine love.
Why did Jesus target sinners for repentance instead of the righteous?
Jesus aimed to reach those who were aware of their need, as they were ready to accept His message and change. The self-righteous often felt no need for salvation or forgiveness.
How does this verse relate to Hosea 6:6?
Hosea 6:6 also emphasizes God's preference for mercy over sacrifice, illustrating a consistent theme that transcends time and cultural setting.
Can you give an example of applying this verse in real life?
If someone sees their friend making mistakes, instead of shunning them or ignoring them, they could show kindness and offer support to help their friend on a better path.