Devotions: Growing Compassion

But when Jesus heard this, He said, “It is not those who are healthy who need a physician, but those who are sick. But go and learn what this means: ‘I desire compassion, and not sacrifice,’ for I did not come to call the righteous, but sinners.”

Matthew 9:12-13 New American Standard Bible (NASB)

The Pharisees, religious leaders and teachers of the day, were criticizing Jesus for associating with “sinners.” This referred to people who committed sins that were obviously wrong: cheating, stealing, prostitution, etc. The ironic part is that all people are “sinners.” We are all in the same boat, none of us are righteous on our own. When Jesus said He came to call sinners not the righteous, He was not saying that the Pharisees were actually righteous, but that they didn’t see their need for a Savior. They were looking forward to the Messiah, but not to save them from their own sin. They wanted Him to give them the political power and freedom they lacked. Only those who recognize and acknowledge their sin can be saved. The Pharisees were blind to the true state of their hearts. All people are “sick,” but not all realize they need to be healed. When Jesus said He desired compassion not sacrifice, He was referring to the fact that the Pharisees “religiously” obeyed every ritual and performed every required sacrifice, but their hearts were cold. They didn’t obey out of love or give out of generosity, but out of pride. They wanted others to see how good they were. They didn’t really care about God or people at all. They completely missed the point, but we often do that too. God wants our hearts first, then the rest will follow. But if our hearts aren’t in it, nothing we do matters. We all need the Great Physician, but He can’t heal us unless we see our need for healing. Ask God to open your eyes to the true state of your heart. Ask Him to reveal your need for Him. Ask Him to grow compassion in you.

To view a video of this devo, visit my facebook page at www.facebook.com/evelynbray15

Like my page or subscribe to my blog to receive them daily!