Go, learn what this means: ‘I desire mercy and not sacrifice,’ for I have not come to call the righteous, but sinners.
With these words Jesus urges the Pharisees to understand the deeper meaning of God’s will, quoting the passage “I desire mercy and not sacrifice” from the prophecy of Hosea (Hos. 6:6). This emphasizes that, for God, a person’s heart and deeds that show mercy are more important than formal sacrifices. Jesus also clarifies his mission, stating that he has come to call sinners to repentance. This means that he did not come for those who consider themselves righteous, but for those who acknowledge their sinfulness and are ready to be transformed, regardless of the office or position they hold.