6,7 Mar -- Do You Know What this Means?

The readings for Tues 6 and Wed 7 March are -- Gen 24:1-54; Ps 8:1-9; Prov 2:1-5; Mt 8:28-9:17.

"Those who are well don't need a doctor, but the sick do." These words of Jesus to the Pharisees were more than a justification for eating with tax gatherers and sinners. He was also having a go at his questioners. This was incisive irony. The Pharisees were indeed sick and needed a doctor. They just didn't realise it or wouldn't admit it. Like a skilled doctor with a difficult patient, Jesus reveals the problem. Then his prescription -- "Go and learn what this means: 'I desire mercy and not sacrifice.' " Wise advice for us all, not just the Pharisees.

Jesus was quoting the first half of Hosea 6:6 -- "For I desire steadfast love and not sacrifice." (NRSV) The second half of the verse is helpful as we try and learn what this means. It restates the first half in different words, being an example of Hebrew poetic parallelism. (See Hosea 6:1-5 for some other great examples. And see Micah 6:6-8 on the same theme.) Hosea 6:6b says: "the knowledge of God rather than burnt offerings."

The Pharisees were good at sacrifice. They were known for their rigid adherence to the Law. But it was outward pretence, not inward reality. Religion rather than relationship. For most of them at least. They needed to learn first of all that their relationship with God depended on God's mercy, not their sacrifices. And secondly, that God wanted them to show mercy to others more than he wanted their sacrifices.

To the Pharisee within, Jesus says: "Go and learn what this means."