Matthew 9:13
A focused desk for reading, commentary, cross-references, original language notes, and your own observations.
Matthew 9:13
13 But go ye and learn what that meaneth, I will have mercy, and not sacrifice: for I am not come to call the righteous, but sinners to repentance.
Chapter Context
Matthew 9 is a biographical gospel chapter in the New Testament that explores themes of mercy, faith, covenant. Written during the late first century CE (c. 80-90 CE), this chapter should be understood within its historical context: Written when Christianity was separating from Judaism following Jerusalem's destruction.
The chapter can be divided into several sections:
- Verses 1-5: Introduction and setting the context
- Verses 6-12: Development of key themes
- Verses 13-20: Central message and teachings
- Verses 21-38: Conclusion and application
This chapter is significant because it illustrates divine judgment and mercy in response to human actions. When studying this passage, it's important to consider both its immediate context within Matthew and its broader place in the scriptural canon.
Verse Study
Matthew 9:13
13 But go ye and learn what that meaneth, I will have mercy, and not sacrifice: for I am not come to call the righteous, but sinners to repentance.
Analysis
Jesus quotes Hosea 6:6, turning the tables on His Pharisaic critics. They questioned His association with 'publicans and sinners' (Matthew 9:11), revealing their misunderstanding of God's priorities. 'I will have mercy, and not sacrifice' contrasts genuine compassion (ἔλεος/eleos) with mere ritual observance. God desires heart transformation, not religious performance divorced from love. The command 'go ye and learn' (πορευθέντες μάθετε/poreuthentes mathete) is pointed—these Scripture experts needed to study their own texts more carefully! Jesus' mission statement follows: 'I am not come to call the righteous, but sinners to repentance.' This doesn't mean some people are actually righteous apart from grace, but rather exposes the self-righteous who see no need for a Savior. Christ came for those who recognize their spiritual bankruptcy and need God's mercy.
Historical Context
Tax collectors were despised in Jewish society—collaborators with Rome who often extorted beyond legal requirements. Eating with such people defiled one in Pharisaic eyes, compromising ceremonial purity. Yet Jesus regularly fellowshipped with those the religious establishment excluded (Luke 15:1-2). This embodied the grace He proclaimed—God's kingdom welcomes the spiritually sick who seek healing, not the 'healthy' who deny their need. Early Christians followed this model, creating inclusive communities where social outcasts found belonging (1 Corinthians 1:26-29).
Reflection
- How might religious activity and moral confidence become obstacles to experiencing God's mercy?
- In what ways does the gospel of grace compel us toward the marginalized and 'sinners' rather than the respectable?
- What does Jesus' critique reveal about the difference between knowing Scripture and understanding God's heart?
Word Studies
- Sacrifice: θυσία (Thusia) G2378 - Sacrifice, offering
Cross-References
- Grace: Matthew 12:7, Hosea 6:6
- Righteousness: Proverbs 21:3, Mark 2:17, Luke 5:32
- Repentance: Matthew 3:2, Acts 11:18, 2 Peter 3:9
- Sin: Acts 3:19
- Parallel theme: Luke 19:10