But go and learn what this means: ‘I desire mercy, not sacrifice.’
//Some time ago, I discussed what Jesus said in Matthew 5 about those who are merciful. They, said Jesus, are the ones who will receive mercy. Perhaps you believe you’re saved by grace; perhaps you believe you’re saved by works. But Jesus says you’re saved if and only if you’re merciful.
With this in mind, it’s enlightening to look at some of the parables Jesus told:
— The story of the Good Samaritan teaches us to have mercy.
— The story of the Wicked Servant (Matthew 18:23-35) is about punishment for a man who refused to show mercy.
— In the parable of the rich man and Lazarus, the rich man is not condemned for any wrongdoing; only for not showing mercy.
— In the parable of the goats and the sheep (Matthew 25:31-45), the only criterion separating the goats from the sheep is mercy.
Mercy would seem to be a cornerstone of Jesus’ teachings.
