The Call to Humility and Repentance

Scripture:
Matthew 9:13 - "But go and learn what this means: I desire mercy and not sacrifice. For I didn’t come to call the righteous, but sinners."

Devotional:
One of the most striking things about Jesus’ response to the Pharisees in Matthew 9:13 is His emphasis on mercy over sacrifice. The Pharisees prided themselves on their external religious practices, believing that their strict adherence to the law made them righteous. But Jesus, quoting from the Old Testament, reminds them—and us—that God is more interested in hearts filled with mercy than in outward acts of religion.

Jesus’ call to Matthew and Simon also highlights the theme of mercy. Both men were deeply flawed—Matthew, a despised tax collector who exploited his own people, and Simon, a zealot who resorted to violence in his political extremism. Yet, Jesus chose to call them both, not because they were righteous, but because they were in need of mercy and transformation.

In the same way, Jesus calls us to humility. None of us are righteous on our own; we all stand in need of God’s mercy. Recognizing this truth should shape how we view others. Instead of looking down on those who are different from us or caught up in sin, we are called to extend the same mercy that Jesus has shown us.

This is not always easy. It requires us to set aside our pride and self-righteousness, acknowledging that we, too, are sinners in need of grace. But when we do this, we reflect the heart of Jesus and become vessels of His love to a world in desperate need of it.

Reflection Questions:
 1. Are there any areas in your life where you have allowed pride or self-righteousness to take root?

 2. How does Jesus' call for mercy over sacrifice challenge you in your relationships with others, especially those you may judge?

 3. What steps can you take to cultivate a heart of humility and mercy in your everyday life?

Application:
This week, take time to examine your heart for any traces of pride or self-righteousness. Confess these areas to God, and ask Him to fill you with a heart of humility and mercy. Look for opportunities to extend grace to someone who needs it, whether through forgiveness, acts of kindness, or simply by offering understanding and compassion.

Closing Prayer:
Lord, I confess that there are times when I allow pride and self-righteousness to creep into my heart. Help me to remember that I am in need of Your mercy just as much as anyone else. Give me a heart that is humble and quick to extend grace to others. May I reflect Your love and compassion in all that I do. In Jesus’ name, Amen.

Conclusion to the Week
As we've explored the lives of Matthew the tax collector and Simon the Zealot, we’ve been reminded of how Jesus brings together those who are seemingly on opposite ends of the spectrum and unites them through His grace. Whether we identify with Matthew’s pursuit of self-interest or Simon’s zealous passion for righteousness, we all need the transformative power of Jesus in our lives.

Throughout this week, the key message has been that Jesus calls us out of division, pride, and self-reliance and into a life of humility, mercy, and unity. No matter where we come from or what our past looks like, we are all invited to follow Jesus. And in following Him, we are called to lay down the things that divide us and take up His mission of love and reconciliation.

As you reflect on this journey, continue to seek ways to live out these truths. Be agents of unity in a divided world, extend mercy where it is needed, and let your allegiance to Christ shape every part of your life.

Remember, Jesus knew the hearts of Matthew and Simon when He called them, and He knows your heart too. He calls you not because of your righteousness, but because of His love. Follow Him and allow His grace to transform you from the inside out