Mercy Over Sacrifice

Many people assumed God was most pleased by offerings, rituals, and outward acts

of devotion. Sacrifices were visible. They were measurable. They were impressive.

But Jesus repeatedly pointed to something deeper. When religious leaders criticized Him for

eating with sinners, Jesus replied: “Go and learn what this means: ‘I desire mercy,

not sacrifice.’” Jesus was quoting Scripture — reminding them that God’s priority had

never changed. Sacrifice without obedience becomes performance. Ritual without humility

becomes noise. Jesus did not dismiss obedience. He fulfilled it. But He exposed the

danger of using religious actions to avoid actual surrender. People could offer