Matthew 9:13

Go ye and learn. The scribes and Pharisees would not have their Scripture rolls with them, and would have to return either to the synagogue or to their homes in order to study the topic Christ suggested to them.

I will have mercy. Or, “I desire mercy” (see Hosea 6:6). As used here, “mercy” may be said to stand for character, that is, for the traits of character that God would have His people reflect (see on Matt. 19:19; 22:39). Similarly “sacrifice” stands for the forms of religion, which have an unfortunate tendency to eclipse practical religion (see 2 Tim. 3:5). In this sense “mercy” represents righteousness by faith as “sacrifice” does righteousness by works. The forms of religion without the vital spirit of religion, Christ says, are worthless. See on Mark 7:7-9, 13; John 4:23, 24.

God did not ordain the Jewish ceremonial system because, in itself, it represented His ideal of religious life. In themselves, the ancient sacrifices had no value (see Heb. 9:9; 10:1-11). The Lord is not pleased with externals alone (see Micah 6:7). What God requires of man is “to do justly, and to love mercy, and to walk humbly with thy God” (see Micah 6:8). “To obey” has always been “better than sacrifice” (see 1 Sam. 15:22; see on Matt. 7:21-27; Mark 7:7-9).