Invitation, Week 6, Day 39

MATTHEW 9:13a | Go and learn what this means, “I desire mercy, not sacrifice.”

Jesus did not invent the idea that the two great love commands, love of God and Neighbor, were the heart or essence of the law. But he did change the relationship between them. He challenged the idea that they should be viewed as a strict hierarchy, with obligations to God preferred over duties to neighbor. Instead he insisted that they were mutually intertwined, a coordinated whole. It is impossible to honor God without caring for the needy neighbors he has created and loves. Jesus’ good Samaritan story and his direction to think about the prophet’s quote, “I desire mercy and not sacrifice,” both illustrate this. Reconciling with neighbor precedes offering your sacrifice at worship in the Sermon on the Mount (see Matthew 5:2324). Unjust relationships with neighbors invalidate true worship.

How do you relate the two great commandments?

Tags: love, mercy, neighbor