Matthew includes his encounter with Jesus as a witness for all to see that Christ extends mercy to the undesired ... the outcasts ... the diseased with sin who need a physician Savior. While the Pharisees condemned Jesus for being with Matthew and his sinner friends, Jesus reminds these learned Doctors of the Law to refresh their memories of Hosea's prophecy. God speaking through Hosea calls the wayward people of Judah to his mercy rather than to sacrifice. Kindness for the sinner is what Jesus expects. God's mercy is better than man's sacrifice or religious ritual.