In Jesus' time, many people believed that animal sacrifices were necessary in order to obtain blessings and purification from wrongdoing. But Jesus placed little importance on such sacrifices. Jesus spiritualized the concept of sacrifice. When Pharisees (members of the then-dominant Jewish sect) criticized Jesus for not following accepted religious practices, Jesus twice responded by quoting the prophet Hosea's message from God, "I will have mercy, and not sacrifice." Matt 9:13; 12:7.
Jesus' teachings consistently pointed to a more spiritual form of worship. When a teacher of Jewish law heard Jesus preach, he confessed publicly, "Well, Master, thou hast said the truth: ... to love [God] with all the heart, and with all the understanding, and with all the soul, and with all the strength, and to love his neighbour as himself, is more than all whole burnt offerings and sacrifices." Mark 12:32, 33.
The offerings and sacrifices to which the man referred were made at the Jewish temple in Jerusalem. It consisted of two structures. First, there was the "temple mount," which was a vast plaza that served as a public forum and outdoor mall. Religious teachers, including Jesus, taught in this plaza. Markets were located there. It was a popular meeting place for Jews and non-Jews alike. The other part of the temple, the "temple sanctuary," was the place of sacrifice and worship, which only Jews could enter.
