MERCY OR RELIGION
Matthew 9:11-13
"And when the Pharisees saw it, they said to the disciples, 'Why does your Teacher eat with tax collectors and sinners?' When Jesus heard that, He said to them, 'Those who are well have no need of a physician, but those who are sick. But go and learn what this means: "I desire mercy and not sacrifice." For I did not come to call the righteous, but sinners to repentance.' "
Jesus was speaking to the Pharisees – self-righteous people who thought that religion was all about keeping the Old Testament Law. There are people who think that Christianity is all about fulfilling a duty, going to church, keeping a list of "dos and donts," and living a "righteous" life. But Jesus did not come to establish another religion. He came to save people from their sin – to show them mercy. A person can keep all the rules and still not be a Christian. The first step toward understanding what it means to follow Jesus is to acknowledge how much I need a Savior and God's mercy. The Apostle wrote, "This is a faithful saying and worthy of all acceptance, that Christ Jesus came into the world to save sinners, of whom I am chief" (I Timothy 1:15). Religion will not get me to heaven. I need God's mercy.
TODAY'S PRINCIPLE: God's mercy is more important than religion.
[end]
Have a "merciful" day. Love you.
Matthew 9:11-13
"And when the Pharisees saw it, they said to the disciples, 'Why does your Teacher eat with tax collectors and sinners?' When Jesus heard that, He said to them, 'Those who are well have no need of a physician, but those who are sick. But go and learn what this means: "I desire mercy and not sacrifice." For I did not come to call the righteous, but sinners to repentance.' "
Jesus was speaking to the Pharisees – self-righteous people who thought that religion was all about keeping the Old Testament Law. There are people who think that Christianity is all about fulfilling a duty, going to church, keeping a list of "dos and donts," and living a "righteous" life. But Jesus did not come to establish another religion. He came to save people from their sin – to show them mercy. A person can keep all the rules and still not be a Christian. The first step toward understanding what it means to follow Jesus is to acknowledge how much I need a Savior and God's mercy. The Apostle wrote, "This is a faithful saying and worthy of all acceptance, that Christ Jesus came into the world to save sinners, of whom I am chief" (I Timothy 1:15). Religion will not get me to heaven. I need God's mercy.
TODAY'S PRINCIPLE: God's mercy is more important than religion.
[end]
Have a "merciful" day. Love you.
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