Final answer:
The Pharisees would not have condemned the disciples if they had understood 'I desire mercy and not sacrifice' because they prioritized religious rituals and laws over the more important aspects of faith such as justice and compassion.
Step-by-step explanation:
The Pharisees would not have condemned the disciples even if they had understood the statement 'I desire mercy and not sacrifice' because the Pharisees were known for their strict adherence to religious rituals and laws, often neglecting the more important aspects of faith such as justice, mercy, and faith itself. In Matthew 9:13, Jesus uses this statement to rebuke the Pharisees for their hypocrisy and lack of compassion. By prioritizing sacrifice over mercy, the Pharisees demonstrated a distorted understanding of God's desires.