Mercy or Religious Duty

What is more important, mercy or religious duty? The only New Testament command for rest is when Jesus encouraged people to come to him for rest (Matthew 11:28-12:8). His hungry disciples plucked some grain, violating the letter of Sabbath commands regarding gathering food like manna. Jesus quoted an Old Testament principle — God desires mercy and not sacrifice. He called himself Lord over the Sabbath — meaning he had the authority to decide what was lawful on that day. As the author of the law, it is his interpretation of it that counts. Man-made religious restrictions often contradict God. The central doctrines of Christianity are not our man-made traditions or fads, but the teachings of Christ. The question as to which is more important, mercy or religious duty is a false dichotomy. Mercy is an important religious duty.