Jesus is telling us in this verse to learn what it means when God says 'I desire mercy and not sacrifice'.
The people were so set in trying to follow the Law, that they had become hardened towards each other. Instead of having mercy on those that could not follow the law, they condemned them and judged them.
God is more interested in how we treat each other, than if we can keep the Law. He already knows it is impossible for us to keep the laws, and thatis why He sent Jesus to die for our sins. He desires that just like He is with us, that we be merciful to each other.
Jesus was being ridiculed for being in the company of sinners, people that the Pharisees had condemned, but Jesus was showing them mercy, inviting them into His arms and offering those people salvation, that were cast out and considered unworthy.
The truth of the matter is that God loves us all equally, and He desires that we have a merciful attitude towards others, especially those that are oppressed and hurt.
Sometimes we look at what people have done and label them as hopeless. What God can do through people is not limited to our human abilities, and all He wants is for us to have a merciful attitude towards all of His creation.
My prayer for all who read this is that they begin to see people as God sees them, and not for their sins. I pray that we can have a spirit of mercy for everyone, and not forget that just as God shows us mercy, we too can choose to be merciful to others! In Jesus' Name, Amen!
