Matthew 12:1-14
“Notice what you notice.” ‘I desire mercy, and not sacrifice…’ (Matthew: 12:7). As soon as I read Jesus quoting Hosea 6:6 it struck me that we had read this verse not long ago. And sure enough, just one week ago today we saw this quote in Matthew 9:13, when Jesus was eating in Levi’s house with tax collectors and sinners. And those are the only two citations in the Old or New Testament where Hosea 6:6 is quoted – although Isaiah, Amos, and other writers certainly speak the Lord’s thoughts on this phrase, but in slightly different language.
It’s easy for us on the other side of the Cross to nod in agreement, for we know that … it is impossible for the blood of bulls and goats to take away sins (Hebrews 10:4). But as I pointed out yesterday, Jesus is someone drastically new to these Pharisees and scribes – even something of a revolutionary! He is referencing Hosea while eating in a tax collector’s house with “sinners”, then essentially equating Himself with David in eating the consecrated bread, which only the priests were allowed to eat. He certainly made Himself an easy target for the Jewish leaders. Yet when challenged, He rebuts their charges with completely reasonable responses comparing the “spirit of the Law” with the “letter of the Law”. I find that his responses would still have me suspicious of Him; I would want to see more. Then He heals the man with the withered hand. I think that turns the corner for me!
Slava Bohu!