Sacrifice is pleasing to God

In Jesus’s ministry he was criticized for spending time with sinners and outcasts (Matthew 9:10-11; Mark 2:15-17; Luke 5:29-32, 15:1-2). His response to the Pharisees’ criticism was to contrast their legalistic “sacrifices" with the sacrifice that is pleasing to God, echoing the prophet Hosea and others. Hosea 6:6 “For I desire steadfast love and not sacrifice, the knowledge of God rather than burnt offerings.” Matthew 9:13: “[Jesus said] Go and learn what this means, ‘I desire mercy, not sacrifice.'  For I have come to call not the righteous, but sinners.”  

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