Matthew 9:13 Meaning: Who Did Jesus Come to Call?
But you go and learn what this means: ‘I desire mercy, and not sacrifice,’ for I came not to call the righteous, but sinners to repentance.”
But go ye and learn what that meaneth, I will have mercy, and not sacrifice: for I am not come to call the righteous, but sinners to repentance.
But go ye and learn what this meaneth, I desire mercy, and not sacrifice: for I came not to call the righteous, but sinners.
but having gone, learn ye what is, Kindness I will, and not sacrifice, for I did not come to call righteous men, but sinners, to reformation.'
But go and learn what [that] is — I will have mercy and not sacrifice; for I have not come to call righteous [men] but sinners.
Meaning in one sentence
In Matthew 9:13, Jesus challenges the Pharisees by quoting Hosea: He came for sinners who need repentance, not for the self-righteous.
Context
This scene follows Matthew’s call. After leaving the tax booth, Matthew hosted a dinner at his house, and many tax collectors and others joined Jesus and his disciples. The Pharisees, watching from a distance, asked the disciples why their teacher would eat with such people. Jesus overheard them. He answered with a proverb about a doctor needing the sick, then pointed them to the prophet Hosea. This is not a random rebuke. Jesus is showing that religious ritual loses its meaning when it crowds out compassion. The line between clean and unclean mattered to the Pharisees. Jesus redrew that line around the need for mercy.
Key Words
Two Greek words carry the weight here. The word for mercy, eleos, means active goodwill toward someone in misery, not a feeling, but a hand reaching out. It is the same word used in the Beatitudes for the merciful who will receive mercy. And repentance, metanoia, is more than feeling sorry. It means a change of mind that turns your whole direction around. Jesus calls sinners not to shame them but to give them a new starting point. The old sacrifices could cover ritual failures. But mercy and repentance change a life from the inside. That is the transformation Jesus came to start.
How Christians Read This Verse
Christians across traditions have read this verse carefully. Many Protestant commentators, like Matthew Henry and John Calvin, see Jesus using irony: the 'righteous' are those who think they are well, but no one is truly righteous apart from God’s grace. Catholic interpreters also emphasize that Jesus came for all sinners, noting that the phrase 'to repentance' in many manuscripts underscores the call to conversion. Eastern Orthodox tradition highlights that mercy (eleos) is a divine energy we are invited to share. All agree: Jesus does not reject sacrifice, but He insists that mercy comes first, and He welcomes everyone who knows their need.
A common misunderstanding
Some read 'I came not to call the righteous' and suppose Jesus thinks certain people are good enough on their own. In fact, Jesus is speaking to Pharisees who considered themselves righteous. He uses their own label against them, not as a fact but as a mirror. No one is righteous before God apart from repentance. The point is not that some are off the hook, but that only those who admit they are sinners will hear His call.
Living This Out
This week, when you find yourself avoiding someone because of their reputation or struggles, remember Jesus at Matthew’s table. He did not guard His image. He sat down with people the religious crowd had written off. You can do the same. You don’t have to fix them or pretend their sin doesn’t matter. Just offer the same mercy you have received. Let a kind word or a shared meal be your sacrifice today.
Main takeaway: Jesus came for people who know they need mercy, not for those who think they have it all together.
For Families
For ages 5, 8
Jesus wanted to be friends with people who made mistakes. He sat and ate with them because He loved them. He wants to be your friend too, even when you mess up.
For ages 9, 12
When the Pharisees criticized Jesus for eating with people they considered bad, Jesus reminded them that showing kindness matters more than following rules perfectly. He didn't come to help people who already think they are perfect. He came for those who know they need help. If you think you need Jesus, you are exactly the kind of person He came for.
Questions People Ask
What does 'I desire mercy, not sacrifice' mean?
Jesus was quoting Hosea 6:6 to say that God values compassion for others more than ritual offerings. He doesn't reject the sacrificial system, but He insists that mercy is more important. Religious practices lose their meaning if they don't lead to kindness.
Is Jesus saying the righteous don't need to repent?
No. Jesus uses irony here. The Pharisees thought they were righteous, but no one is truly righteous on their own. Jesus came for everyone who recognizes their need for repentance, not for those who think they are already good enough.
Why did Jesus eat with tax collectors?
Tax collectors were despised for collaborating with Rome and often cheating people. By eating with them, Jesus showed that His love was for everyone, especially those considered outcasts. It was an act of mercy and an invitation to repentance.
Does this verse mean we don't need to go to church?
Not at all. The point is that religious activities like worship services should never replace love and mercy for others. Both are important, but mercy is the heart of the matter.
What is the main message of Matthew 9:13?
The main message is that Jesus came to save sinners, not to confirm self-righteousness. He calls us to learn what mercy means and to extend it to others, just as He has shown mercy to us.
For pastors & researchers
Greek interlinear, 8 commentaries & word study