Compassion And True Holiness - Part 1

In this larger section of Matthew (chapters 14-18) the ideas of the Jews are contrasted with the teachings of Jesus regarding the Kingdom. In particular, Jesus' kingdom is conducted in compassion—He heals the sick and feeds thousands, even though it costs great energy. In this passage, Jesus shows how the Pharisees' idea of the kingdom was totally without compassion, even toward their own parents. They would rather be known as perfunctory performers of tradition rather than compassionate servants of their own family. Such a religious view is always caused by a heart that is far from God. Compassion for man and love for God are always intertwined, so that one always causes the other.