Mercy > Law

This audio is the sermon I preached on Aug. 24, 2025, at Bemiss United Methodist Church in Valdosta, Georgia.

We live in a world where laws, rules, policies, and even interpretations of Scripture can sometimes stand in the way of compassion. How many times have people been denied dignity, inclusion, or healing because of someone’s strict interpretation of the rules?

The good news of Luke 13:10-17 is that God’s priority is mercy. Again and again, Jesus shows us that human need, compassion, grace, and mercy take precedence over rigid rule-keeping.

We follow a Savior who touched lepers, ate with sinners, welcomed children, and broke all kinds of religious rules.

If our religion does not lead us to mercy, it is not the religion of Jesus.