Does Matthew 9:13 and Hebrews 9:26 Contradict?

Does Matthew 9:13 & Hebrews 9:26 Contradict?

In Matthew 9, it states: "But go and learn what this means: ‘I desire compassion, and not sacrifice,’ for I did not come to call the righteous, but sinners," (Matthew 9:13 NASB1995).

In Hebrews 9, it is said: "Otherwise, He would have needed to suffer often since the foundation of the world; but now once at the consummation of the ages He has been manifested to put away sin by the sacrifice of Himself," (Hebrews 9:26 NASB1995).

To solve this problem, we must take a look at what Jesus means in Matthew 9. Jesus here is quoting the book of Hosea, urging the listener to go and revisit the passage. "For I delight in loyalty rather than sacrifice, And in the knowledge of God rather than burnt offerings," (Hosea 6:6 NASB1995). Hosea, as well as Jesus, is not saying that there must not be sacrifice; rather, they make the point that God does not desire it, for he delights in loyalty rather than sacrifice. As Dr. Keener writes: "Hosea 6:6 does not reject sacrifice or ritual, but elevates right relationship with God," (Keener 68).

The ESV Study Bible also notes: "More important to God was "mercy" ... which would have led the Pharisees to care for these sinners as Jesus did," (Crossway 1837).

The idea here is that the Pharisees did not understand the concept of loving one's neighbor: "When the Pharisees saw this, they said to His disciples, “Why is your Teacher eating with the tax collectors and sinners?” But when Jesus heard this, He said, “It is not those who are healthy who need a physician, but those who are sick," (Matthew 19:11-12 NASB1995). Jesus is making the point that the Pharisees need to learn to love humanity instead of their traditions and pride.

References:

ESV Study Bible. United States, Crossway, 2008.

Image by Eberhardgross on Unsplash

Keener, Craig S.. The IVP Bible Background Commentary: New Testament, 2nd Edition. United Kingdom, InterVarsity Press, 2014.

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