• Pastor Suzanne talked about how Jesus confronts the Pharisees not to reject Scripture, but to show a deeper, mercy‑shaped way of reading it.
• Hosea 6:6 (“I desire mercy, not sacrifice”) becomes the interpretive lens Jesus uses to reveal the heart behind the law.
• Rigid, literal readings can harm people when they prioritize rules over human need, dignity, and flourishing.
• Followers of Jesus are invited to hold the Bible tightly but their interpretations loosely, reading every passage in light of God’s mercy, compassion, and character revealed in Christ.

Sermon Reflection Questions:

• Where have I seen (or experienced) Scripture used in ways that harmed rather than healed?
• How might applying a “mercy lens” change the way I read difficult or confusing passages?
• Are there interpretations I’ve held tightly that I may need to revisit with humility and openness?

A book we recommend if you are trying to figure out different, faithful ways to take scripture seriously and apply a lens of mercy is “Better Ways to Read the Bible” by Zach Lambert. While we do not agree with every conclusion he draws in this book, we believe the frameworks he gives and the questions he raises concerning interpretation are helpful, thoughtful, and faithful.