I desire mercy, not sacrifice

In Matthew 9 and again in Matthew 12 Jesus tells the Pharisees to "go and learn what this means: 'I desire mercy, not sacrifice.'" What does Jesus mean by this? (See references below)

The simple explanation is that Jesus is just talking about mercy; having mercy on sinners in this case. Reading just the text in Matthew that seems clear. It also seems clear that He is simultaneously rebuking the Pharisees for choosing a legalistic approach rather than a merciful approach. A subtle difference, but important. One is advocating mercy towards sinners; the other is admonishing those who are judgmental.

James said this later: "Speak and act as those who are going to be judged by the law that gives freedom, because judgment without mercy will be shown to anyone who has not been merciful. Mercy triumphs over judgment."

It is only when I read the full text of the referenced chapter, Hosea 6, that more interesting things come to mind. Regarding the verses below, is Jesus:

1 - Admonishing the Pharisees to 'return to the Lord'?
2 - Making a reference to a prophecy of the resurrection?
4 - Rebuking them for their fleeting faith?
5 - Telling them that they will be judged harshly?
6 - Telling them that mercy triumphs over judgement?
9 - Telling them that they are wicked?
10 & 11 - Telling them that their society is wicked and due judgement?


We know that Jesus of Nazareth was possibly (probably) both the leading authority on the bible (His bible; the bible of the Jews/Hebrews; the 'Old' Testament) and that he was an ardent student and practitioner of the Socratic method (knowingly or otherwise). He rarely simply spoke His mind, apparently preferring to speak in parables and using the double entendre as a high art form; and let's not even talk about the sarcasm!

Based on my understanding of His word, His message, and His method, my guess is that He intended for there to be multiple possible meanings. He meant the simple message for all who were listening; "mercy over judgment". He meant also for the Pharisees as well as His disciples and any other learned listeners (or readers) to wonder: "Wait... did He mean the Pharisees are wicked like marauders?" "Hold on... did He mean...?"

I think He intentionally and often said things and used parables and stories that had multiple meanings both to drive home different messages and, just to make us think. In this case there should be no question that He knew the exact text of this chapter of Hosea and, of course, all of Hosea and that of the rest of the prophets as well. I simply cannot imagine Him pulling a few words out of something such as Hosea 6:6 and using them out of context, without meaning being applied to the remainder of the chapter.

Just for the record; I do not look for messages by reading the letters of the bible diagonally! I'm just trying to figure out both what He said, and more importantly, what He meant. Yes, yes, yes... prayer, fasting, blah, blah... been there, done that, got the t-shirt.

"Do not go where the path may lead; go instead where there is no path and leave a trail." - Ralph Waldo Emerson

'While Jesus was having dinner at Matthew’s house, many tax collectors and sinners came and ate with him and his disciples. When the Pharisees saw this, they asked his disciples, “Why does your teacher eat with tax collectors and sinners?”
On hearing this, Jesus said, “It is not the healthy who need a doctor, but the sick. But go and learn what this means: ‘I desire mercy, not sacrifice.’ For I have not come to call the righteous, but sinners.”'

Come, let us return to the Lord. He has torn us to pieces but he will heal us; he has injured us but he will bind up our wounds.
After two days he will revive us; on the third day he will restore us, that we may live in his presence.
Let us acknowledge the Lord; let us press on to acknowledge him. As surely as the sun rises, he will appear; he will come to us like the winter rains, like the spring rains that water the earth.”
“What can I do with you, Ephraim? What can I do with you, Judah? Your love is like the morning mist, like the early dew that disappears.
Therefore I cut you in pieces with my prophets, I killed you with the words of my mouth— then my judgments go forth like the sun.
For I desire mercy, not sacrifice, and acknowledgment of God rather than burnt offerings.
As at Adam, they have broken the covenant; they were unfaithful to me there.
Gilead is a city of evildoers, stained with footprints of blood.
As marauders lie in ambush for a victim, so do bands of priests; they murder on the road to Shechem, carrying out their wicked schemes.
I have seen a horrible thing in Israel: There Ephraim is given to prostitution, Israel is defiled.
“Also for you, Judah, a harvest is appointed.
Hosea 6