Evening Meditation

In a world that often overlooks the broken and marginalized, Jesus moves in the opposite direction. In tonight’s reflection, Greg Grandchamp reminds us that Christ’s mercy is drawn to sin and suffering—not repelled by it. His heart beats with compassion for the hurting, the weary, and the outcast.

In Matthew 9:12-13, Jesus responds to criticism from the Pharisees by saying:

“It is not the healthy who need a doctor, but the sick. But go and learn what this means: ‘I desire mercy, not sacrifice.’”

Jesus’ ministry consistently elevated mercy over ritual. He touched the untouchable, dined with sinners, and wept over human suffering—not because He had to, but because His heart overflowed with love.

When Jesus healed the leper, He didn’t just speak healing—He first reached out and touched the man who hadn’t felt human contact in years. That same heart—overflowing with mercy, moved by pain—still beats for you and me today.

This devotional invites us to reflect not just on the mercy Jesus showed, but how we can reflect that same mercy in our daily lives. Are we moved with compassion? Do we reach out before judging? Do we sit with the broken, as Jesus did?

📖 Tonight’s Scripture

Matthew 9:12-13 (NIV)

“On hearing this, Jesus said, ‘It is not the healthy who need a doctor, but the sick. But go and learn what this means: "I desire mercy, not sacrifice." For I have not come to call the righteous, but sinners.’”

🔗 Read Matthew 9 on BibleStudyTools.com

🙏 Your Nightly Prayer

Heavenly Father,
Thank You for the peace and freedom Your Son’s sacrifice has given us. We know it was our sin that required that sacrifice, and that it was Jesus’ heart and love for us that led Him to offer an end to our eternal suffering. Thank You for Your overwhelming mercy and grace.
We know, Lord, that Your heart is with us, now and always.
In Jesus’ Name, Amen.

🌟 Three Things to Meditate Upon

1. Christ's Mission to the Broken
   Jesus said He came for the sinners, not the righteous. Are we living with the same mindset? Who might need your compassion today?

2. Mirroring His Mercy
   Do your actions reflect the mercy and grace of Jesus, especially toward those who don’t have it all together?

3. A Call to Compassion
   Who around you is hurting or isolated right now? How can you embody Christ’s heart by simply reaching out?

“The heart of Christ is for the broken. Mercy still matters. And He still weeps with us.”

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