Discovering Your Heart

Jesus said something profound about the character and nature of God when he called Matthew to follow him. As he was sitting in the tax collector’s house, many people came to him. As the Pharisees watched this they questioned his willingness to meet with the lowest of the low. After all, if he was a great man, shouldn’t he only consort with great men?

“But Jesus wasn’t merely a great man, he was a humble God. The Pharisees grumbled and Jesus took the moment to make the statement, “Those who are well have no need of a physician, but those who are sick. But go and learn what this means: ‘I desire mercy and not sacrifice.””

— Matthew 9:9-13

The problem with humans is we are more comfortable with sacrifice than with mercy. It is far easier for us to do something that earns recognition, rather than deal with the disposition of the heart that earns us nothing. Here’s the things about sacrifice: everyone will see it. And here is the thing about mercy: only God will see it. The heart of God does not desire your external displays of obedience, he desires the inward disposition of your heart. This is the radical call of discipleship. Friendship with God means your heart becomes like his heart. And that is not easy task.