What Jesus Did! 'Mercy?' — Matthew 12:7

Sunday, June 1, 2025

[Talking to the Pharisees, Jesus continued:] "But you would not have condemned my innocent disciples if you knew the meaning of this Scripture: 'I want you to show mercy, not offer sacrifices.'"
— Matthew 12:7 NLT

Key Thought

Legalism stresses rules and crushes people. Jesus' greatest condemnations were for those who adhered to rules and law-keeping constructs while ignoring the demands of the law that are close to the heart of God. Our goal as disciples is to be faithful to Jesus' commands and his intent. That's why having the Holy Spirit is such a blessing. He not only inspired the message and helps us in understanding it, but he also empowers us to do what Jesus desires. Of course, Jesus' consistent desire was - and is - to see people redeemed, not condemned.

Today's Prayer

Holy God, I know doing your will is essential. But help me understand your will with both my heart and my head. I don't want to just know your commands, but I want to also know you. I don't want to just be able to recite your demands, but I want to also reflect your character. You have been so gracious to me; give me the courage to be gracious to others. In the name of Jesus of Nazareth, I pray. Amen.

Related Scripture Readings

Have thoughts on this devotional? Leave a comment

1 Related Resource by Heartlight

Give God Your Best and Don't Look Back
Article by David Smith
Give God your best gift; not sacrifice, but mercy! We are often tempted to focus on the gift that is costly, but not greatest, when often the greatest gift that is needed is mercy.

Illustration

Illustration of Matthew 12:7 NLT — [Talking to the Pharisees, Jesus continued:] "But you would not have condemned my innocent disciples if you knew the meaning of this Scripture: 'I want you to show mercy, not offer sacrifices.'"

Other Devotionals from Heartlight for Sunday, June 1, 2025

Spiritual Warfare
A daily devotional about God's power for our battles.
'Love God, Be Loyal, and Follow All His Directions'
"Faithfully obey all these commands I’m giving you. Love the Lord your God, follow all his directions, and be loyal to him. Then the Lord will force..."
Passion for Praise
A daily passage of Scripture emphasizing praise to our God.
'Joyful!' (Ps. 144:15)
"Yes, joyful are those who live like this! Joyful indeed are those whose God is the Lord!"
Today's Verse
A daily devotional featuring a Bible verse, thought and prayer.
Jeremiah 33:2-3
"This is what the LORD says, he who made the earth, the LORD who formed it and established it — the LORD is his name: Call to me, and I will answer you and tell...."
Unstoppable!
A one-year devotional guide through the book of Acts.
'Stoned and Left for Dead' (Acts 14:19-20)
"Then some Jews arrived from Antioch and Iconium and won the crowds to their side. They stoned Paul and dragged him out of town, thinking he was dead...."

About This Devotional

What Jesus Did! is a series of one-year devotional guides through each gospel, using one short scripture passage each day and following the Gospel in sequential order. Each devotional consists of a scripture passage and a reflection and a prayer which open up the day's scripture and show how it challenges you to live for Jesus.

What Jesus Did! is written by Phil Ware and is available in book form.

Scripture quotations are taken from the Holy Bible, New Living Translation, copyright ©1996, 2004, 2007, 2013, 2015 by Tyndale House Foundation. Used by permission of Tyndale House Publishers, Inc., Carol Stream, Illinois 60188. All rights reserved.

More What Jesus Did!