Final answer:
Jesus mentioned that the priests in the temple were blameless for performing their sacred duties, including offering sacrifices and conducting rituals, even on the Sabbath. These actions were a part of their religious responsibilities according to Jewish law and were not considered a violation of the commandment to keep the Sabbath day holy.
Step-by-step explanation:
The question pertains to what Jesus said about the priests in the temple and the specific actions that they were considered blameless for performing. As reported in the New Testament, Jesus would often discuss the actions of the religious leaders of the time, including the teachers of the law and the priests who served at the temple in Jerusalem. The priests organized religious festivals, performed rituals, and offered sacrifices on behalf of the people. According to Jewish law, these activities were not only required but regarded as sacred duties for which the priests were considered blameless. One such instance where the actions of the priests are highlighted is in the Gospel of Matthew, where Jesus refers to the temple priests working on the Sabbath and yet being guiltless (Matthew 12:5).
In the context of ancient practices, this would include sacrifices and other temple duties which, despite occurring on the Sabbath, did not violate the commandment to keep the day holy given the ritually-sanctioned nature of these tasks. This narrative emphasizes the concept of mercy over sacrifice, highlighting a deeper understanding of the law that Jesus was conveying to his followers.