Final answer:
Jesus asked the Pharisees if they understood that 'I desire mercy, not sacrifice,' teaching that true faith prioritizes compassion over ritualistic observance. This challenged the Pharisees' focus on strict adherence to the law without understanding its underlying purpose.
Step-by-step explanation:
Jesus asked the Pharisees two significant questions meant to challenge their understanding and practices. The first question was related to the meaning of the scripture that states 'I desire mercy, not sacrifice,' highlighting the importance of mercy and compassion over ritualistic offerings (Matthew 9:13). This was a direct response to the criticism he received for eating with tax collectors and sinners. The second question can be found in Matthew 12:7 where he restates this idea and questions if the Pharisees had understood what it means 'I desire mercy, not sacrifice.' Both questions were meant to teach that genuine faith is not about outwardly following rituals but about loving and serving others, which aligns with the weightier matters of the law: justice, mercy, and faith.