Matthew 9a — Called to Mercy

Hosea's entire message was about the covenant faithfulness of God, and when Jesus quotes Hosea here, what he's saying is: what I'm doing is not a departure from God's character. It is a demonstration of God's character. God is the husband who pursues his unfaithful bride. He is the physician who seeks and heals the wounded. And God desires that his people would love the way that he loves.