Series Introduction:

Today, we are starting a sermon series that explores the Parables of Jesus. These parables are more than just stories; they are profound teachings that guide our daily walk with God. Throughout this series, we will delve into various parables that Jesus told during His earthly ministry. We will explore topics such as forgiveness, faith, stewardship, and the Kingdom of God.

As we journey through these parables together, let us open our hearts and minds to the teachings of Jesus. Let us be attentive to the guidance of the Holy Spirit, allowing these timeless truths to challenge and inspire us. May we find a source of wisdom, comfort, conviction, and inspiration in these parables. Let us begin with expectant hearts, ready to receive and be transformed by the enduring wisdom of the Parables of Jesus.

Scripture:

Lk 10:25-37, ESV

Opening Prayer

Heavenly Father, we have gathered here today with open hearts and minds to delve deep into Your Holy Word. We ask for Your guidance and wisdom as we explore the narrative of the Good Samaritan. May Your Spirit enlighten us to the profound lessons within this passage and help us understand it not only with our minds but also with our hearts. We pray that we may learn to love You with all our heart, soul, and 

mind, and extend this love to all those we encounter in our lives. Grant us the humility to redefine our understanding of who our neighbor is, and to embody the compassion and love that You call us to. In this time of worship and reflection, we ask that You draw us closer to You, and transform us into instruments of Your peace and love in this world. We ask all of this in the precious name of Jesus Christ, our Lord and Savior. Amen.

Introduction

In our passage this morning, a lawyer asks Jesus, "How do we inherit eternal life?" (Luke 10:25, ESV). On the surface, this question seems earnest, a genuine inquiry into the nature of salvation and the path to eternal peace. Yet, how the lawyer frames the question reveals his presuppositions. he thinks salvation comes from doing good deeds. He believes that following rules and being good is the way to heaven.

The idea of salvation through good deeds is still prevalent in some circles, but it contradicts the profound and revolutionary teachings of Jesus. The lawyer's view of salvation is based on a transactional relationship with divinity, which demands adherence to rules and rituals. 

I understand that Jesus' teachings represent a significant change from the traditional views of righteousness and salvation. It can be challenging to let go of the idea that we must earn salvation through rigorous adherence to the law or moral accomplishments. However, I want you to know that Jesus presents a path of salvation open to everyone, regardless of their background or past mistakes. He teaches that salvation is a gift from God, available to all who seek it. His teachings emphasize the importance of embracing God's grace and embodying His love. The Christian life, then, is not a striving to earn God's favor, which is impossible to earn, but rather, it is seeking to achieve a sense of love and gratitude out of the overflow of what God has already accomplished for us through Christ. We can all work towards this and continue to improve upon, not out of fear of falling short, but as an expression of love that knows no bounds. 

Understanding God's Love

The lawyer had asked what he must do to receive eternal life. Jesus responds to the lawyer's question with another question, showing that Jesus would have made an excellent lawyer himself. Remember that the lawyer assumes that salvation must be earned or achieved, so Jesus points him to the Law of God to see if the lawyer understood what God expected of His followers. 

[The lawyer] said to him, "What is written in the law? How do you read it?" And he answered, "You shall love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your strength and with all your mind, and your neighbor as yourself." And [Jesus] said to him, "You have answered correctly; do this, and you will live." - Luke 10:26-28, ESV

The lawyer proved in his response that He had an excellent grasp of God's Law. If you read the Law of God, whether it is the Ten Commandments given to Moses in Exodus 20 or the complex ceremonial laws of Leviticus, every Law that God gave to Israel could be placed into the categories of how to love God or how to love your neighbor. In this way, while Jesus' teachings were a departure from the traditional understanding of the law of God, his teachings were actually more in line with the heart of the law than the religious traditions of his day. 

Sometimes, as Christians, we make the mistake of thinking that the Old Testament Law has no bearing on our lives as believers. We mistakenly say things like "that was Old Testament" as if the unchanging God somehow changed between the pages of Malachi and Matthew. Our relationship with God has changed because of the salvation Jesus made possible and the Holy Spirit who dwells in us. Still, we must always remember that we are the ones who change. God does not change. 

The Swiss theologian Johannes Wollebius summarized it well in his book Reformed Dogmatics when he wrote: 

As the ceremonial law was concerned with God, the political [law] was concerned with the neighbor. In those matters on which it is in harmony with the moral law and with ordinary justice, it is binding upon us. In those matters which were peculiar to that law and were prescribed for the promised land or the situation of the Jewish state, it has not more force for us than the laws of foreign commonwealths. - Johannes Wollebius, Reformed Dogmatics

If that was difficult to understand, what it means is that the requirements for religious practices such as temple worship, sacrifices, and ceremonial cleanliness are no longer necessary because Jesus fulfilled all the requirements of the law through his sacrifice on the cross. This means that we are permanently purified by his blood, and the temple is no longer required. At the same time, the laws regarding how we ought to love God and love our neighbors are as forever binding and unchanging as God himself. 

As believers, we are called to love God with every aspect of our being, including our heart, soul, and mind.

"Love the LORD your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your strength."  - Deuteronomy 6:5, ESV

To love God with all our heart is to engage our emotions, desires, and passions in the pursuit of a relationship with Him. It means allowing the love of God to permeate and transform our deepest affections, aligning our joys, sorrows, and hopes with His divine will. This heart-centered love challenges us to break free from the shackles of selfishness and to embrace a love that is selfless, pure, and unconditional, reflective of the very nature of God.

Loving God with all our soul invites us to connect with the Creator on a spiritual level. It beckons us to seek a communion that touches the essence of who we are, beyond physical existence. This soulful love speaks of a commitment to nurture our spiritual life through prayer, meditation upon God's Word, worshipping Him privately and collectively, and fostering a bond with God that grows deeper with each passing moment.

Furthermore, to love God with all our mind is to engage our intellect in understanding His teachings, His nature, and His will for our lives. It is a call to immerse ourselves in the study of His Word, to seek wisdom and understanding through His Scriptures, and to apply His truth in every aspect of our lives. This intellectual love for God drives us to ponder His greatness, to marvel at the intricacies of His creation, and to seek His guidance in every decision.

This triune approach to loving God – with heart, soul, and mind – is far removed from the realm of ritualistic practices. While rituals have their place in expressing our faith and devotion, this love that God calls us to is alive, dynamic, and transformative. It is a love that is not satisfied with mere external observances but seeks a deep, personal communion with God. It is a love that becomes evident in the way we live our lives, in our interactions with others, and in our commitment to His commandments.

In loving God in this holistic manner, our lives become a living testimony of His love and grace. Our actions, words, and thoughts begin to reflect the heart of God, influencing those around us and extending His kingdom on earth. This comprehensive love for God is the foundation upon which our faith is built and from which our actions should emanate, radiating His love to a world in need.

Defining Our Neighbor

When we love God in such a wholistic way, the inevitable result is that our love for God will overflow into our love for our neighbor. The lawyer, who seemed to understand this, asked a follow-up question. 

But he, desiring to justify himself, said to Jesus, "And who is my neighbor?" - Luke 10:29, ESV

Notice that the scriptures record that the lawyer was "desiring to justify himself." He knew this was where he fell short; whether he realized it or not, falling short in loving your neighbor indicates that we have fallen short of truly loving God. 

The lawyer's question, "Who is my neighbor?" reveals a desire to define, and therefore limit, the scope of whom he is obligated to love as per the divine commandment. The lawyer's question implies a perspective where the concept of 'neighbor' is confined to certain groups - perhaps those of the same nationality, religious belief, or social status. This perspective seeks to draw lines around the community of obligation, to delineate the boundaries within which love and compassion must be practiced. It is a perspective that comfortably aligns with human tendencies to favor those who are like us and exclude those who are not.

In response to this question, Jesus chooses to narrate a story that deliberately crosses cultural and racial boundaries, challenging the prevailing prejudices and social norms of the time.

The parable, set on the dangerous road from Jerusalem to Jericho, tells of a man who falls victim to robbers and is left half-dead. The characters Jesus introduces are carefully chosen for their societal roles and expectations: a priest and a Levite, both respected figures in Jewish society, who choose to pass by the wounded man. Their failure to act highlights the inadequacy of adhering to religious law and social convention without embodying the spirit of compassion and mercy that these laws intend. Then comes the Samaritan, a figure traditionally despised and ostracized by the Jewish community of the time. The Samaritan, moved by compassion, not only tends to the man's immediate needs but also ensures his continued care. 

In this parable, Jesus is doing more than just teaching about kindness; he is redefining the boundaries of love and community. He is calling for a radical inclusivity that sees 'neighbor' in every person we encounter, regardless of their background, status, or creed. This story, therefore, becomes a powerful manifesto for love that knows no bounds, for compassion that breaks down barriers, and for a community that extends beyond the confines of our comfort zones and prejudices.

“If you love those who love you, what benefit is that to you? For even sinners love those who love them. And if you do good to those who do good to you, what benefit is that to you? For even sinners do the same. And if you lend to those from whom you expect to receive, what credit is that to you? Even sinners lend to sinners, to get back the same amount. But love your enemies, and do good, and lend, expecting nothing in return, and your reward will be great, and you will be sons of the Most High, for he is kind to the ungrateful and the evil. Be merciful, even as your Father is merciful.” - Luke 6:32-36, ESV

In essence, Jesus uses the Parable of the Good Samaritan to expand the lawyer's understanding and, by extension, our own. He challenges us to redefine 'neighbor' in the broadest possible terms and to live out the commandment of love in a way that is boundless, inclusive, and transformative.

Characters in the Parable

For us to truly understand this parable as we should, we need to take some time to examine the characters involved. 

First, we have the traveler who embodies vulnerability and critical need. His journey on the treacherous road to Jericho, a path notorious for its dangers, becomes a poignant metaphor for the unpredictability and fragility of human life. This traveler was beaten and left for dead, a reminder of our shared vulnerability in the face of life's uncertainties and misfortunes. In this way, the traveler stands in as a reminder that misfortune can befall anyone, irrespective of status, preparation, or caution. No one is immune to tragedy, violence, illness, economic ruin, or heartbreak, which can strike without warning. The traveler's misfortune underscores the truth that we are all, at some point in our lives, utterly dependent on the mercy and kindness of others. This realization fosters a sense of shared humanity, compelling us to empathize with those in distress, recognizing that we, too, could find ourselves in similar circumstances. This is why Jesus summarized the laws regarding loving our neighbors in the following way: 

"So whatever you wish that others would do to you, do also to them, for this is the Law and the Prophets." - Matthew 7:12, ESV

It's important to note that the command to love our neighbors is both proactive and reactive. Although the story of Jesus emphasizes responding with love to those in tragic need, God's law doesn't limit us to waiting for a crisis before demonstrating sacrificial love towards those around us. This is something we see all throughout the law of God and the teachings of Jesus. 

The Priest and the Levite represent the religious elite of the day. Despite their revered positions and their presumed understanding of God's laws, they choose not to stop and help the wounded man. What is interesting about Jesus' parable is that he does not tell us why they ignored the injured traveler. Some have speculated that they did not want to become ritually unclean by handling a man who probably had exposed and open wounds; in this way, they put their religious purity over the needs of their fellow man. Others have speculated that they may have been in a hurry to get to Jerusalem and did not think they could spare the time to help their fellow man. In this way, they put their schedule and personal priorities over their love for their neighbors. Perhaps they knew the road was dangerous, and they worried that if they spent time helping their neighbor, they would put themselves at risk of being robbed in the same way. In this way, they put their own safety and self-preservation over their love for their fellow man. Jesus does not tell us their reasoning, and perhaps that was intentional. Maybe Jesus was telling the lawyer, and by extension telling us, that there was no justification for passing by a man in such need and not lending a helping hand. 

Their inaction poses a challenging introspection for us. They beckon us to question our own priorities and the way we respond to those in need. How often, like the priest and the Levite, do we allow our schedules, our responsibilities, or even our interpretations of religious or social norms to overshadow our basic human duty to care for one another? Their example is a cautionary tale, reminding us that adherence to religious practices or societal expectations should never become an excuse to neglect our moral obligation to show kindness and compassion, especially to those most in need.

Finally, the Good Samaritan is introduced as the unexpected hero who displays compassion and love. His actions towards the wounded Jewish traveler, despite the historical enmity between their two groups, show how to fulfill God's commandment to love without conditions. The Samaritan demonstrated that love and compassion transcend cultural and racial boundaries.

Whenever I preach this parable, I find myself searching for a modern analogy to help us see how shocking this parable was in Jesus' day. Imagine instead of a Jew and Samaritan, it was an Israelite and a Palestinian, a border patrol officer and an illegal immigrant, a republican congressman and an LGBTQ+ activist, or whatever group or classification we might personally struggle to look on with empathy and love. I sincerely challenge you not to sanitize this scandalous parable. The Good Samaritan was not just a story of a nice person showing basic human kindness. Rather, this is a parable of an enemy putting all differences aside and going above and beyond to love their neighbor even though there was no guarantee that they would ever return the favor if the roles were reversed. 

The Samaritan goes beyond providing temporary relief and ensures ongoing care for the traveler, exemplifying a love that is thorough, enduring, and deeply empathetic. The Samaritan's actions encourage us to extend our compassion beyond our immediate circles and show care to those different from us without prejudice or expectation of anything in return.

This type of radical, unbiased, selfless love only makes sense in light of the Gospel of Jesus Christ: 

"We love because he first loved us." - 1 John 4:19, ESV

"For if while we were enemies we were reconciled to God by the death of his Son, much more, now that we are reconciled, shall we be saved by his life." - Romans 5:10, ESV

Lessons from the Good Samaritan

The Samaritan's choices involve significant sacrifices. He interrupts his journey to tend to a stranger in need, putting aside his own plans and priorities. This act of stopping and helping, in itself, signifies a departure from personal comfort and convenience. The road from Jerusalem to Jericho was dangerous and stopping could have posed a risk to his own safety. Yet, the Samaritan sets aside these concerns, moved by a deeper call to compassion and humanity.

Moreover, his actions transcend deeply ingrained social and racial divisions. The historical animosity between Jews and Samaritans is well-documented, characterized by deep-seated prejudices and mutual distrust. However, these long-standing barriers are rendered irrelevant in this moment of compassion. The Samaritan sees not a Jew, but a fellow human being in desperate need. This aspect of the parable powerfully illustrates that divine love knows no boundaries – it does not discriminate based on race, religion, or social status. It is a universal call to see and respond to the humanity in others, regardless of our differences.

The practical manifestation of the Samaritan's love is equally instructive. His love is not abstract or theoretical but is expressed through concrete, tangible actions. 

It is trendy today to say that we have no enemies and that we love everyone, but if Jesus heard such a statement, he would first call us liars, and then he would ask how we have demonstrated our love towards our neighbors. Love is not just a vague feeling of general goodwill. True, biblical love manifests in word, prayer, and in loving acts of service. 

The Samaritan does not just see the suffering man and pitty him. He tends to the injured man's wounds, using his own resources of oil and wine, and bandages them. He then goes further, placing the man on his own donkey, thereby sacrificing his comfort for the injured man's ease. The Samaritan ensures that the man is taken to an inn and cared for, even offering to cover all expenses for his recovery. This level of commitment and care demonstrates a love that is not just an emotional response but a series of deliberate acts of kindness and self-sacrifice.

The Samaritan's actions embody a love that is proactive, self-giving, and deeply involved in the well-being of others, including our enemies. This narrative challenges us to reflect on our understanding and expression of love. It calls us to move beyond feelings and to express our love in practical, sacrificial actions. It encourages us to look beyond our prejudices and comfort zones, to see the needs of others, and to respond with a love that is as generous as it is unreserved. This is the kind of love that truly reflects the heart of God – a love that acts, a love that sacrifices, and a love that heals.

Living as a Good Samaritan

The Parable of the Good Samaritan offers us a profound and transformative challenge: fundamentally redefining our understanding of our 'neighbor.' 'Our 'neighbors,' as Jesus taught, include anyone around us who needs compassion and help. This redefined concept of neighborliness calls us to recognize the inherent dignity and worth of every individual, irrespective of their race, religion, nationality, or social standing. It challenges us to look beyond our personal biases and prejudices, to see the suffering and needs of others, and to respond with empathy and care. This broader understanding of neighborliness is not confined to those who might reciprocate our help or those whose company we enjoy. It extends to all, especially to those who are marginalized, overlooked, or deemed unworthy by societal standards.

Furthermore, this parable calls us to be vigilant and actively demonstrate God's love. It is not enough to passively acknowledge the needs around us or to offer sympathy without action. Our calling is to seek opportunities to extend kindness and aid proactively. This means being alert to the needs of those around us, whether they are close at hand or far away. It involves taking initiative, sometimes stepping out of our comfort zones, and making tangible efforts to alleviate suffering and provide support. This proactive mission manifests the love that Jesus exemplified and taught – a love that is active, selfless, and inclusive. In doing so, we not only fulfill the command to love our neighbors as ourselves but also become beacons of hope and grace in a world that desperately needs God's transformative love.

Conclusion

As we prepare to depart from this gathering, let us wholeheartedly embrace Jesus' command with renewed purpose and determination. We must be resolute in our commitment to being Good Samaritans in the communities where we reside, work, and interact with others. Let us move forward with the resolve to "do likewise," embodying the spirit of the Good Samaritan in all that we do.

Closing Prayer

Gracious and Loving God, as we conclude our time together, we thank You for the insights and revelations You have imparted to us through Your Word. We are deeply grateful for the lesson of the Good Samaritan, which challenges us to live out our faith in tangible and meaningful ways. Lord, as we go forth from this place, instill a spirit of vigilance and proactive love in us. Help us to see the needs of those around us, to reach out with kindness and compassion, and to be Your hands and feet in a world in need of Your grace. May our actions reflect our love for You, and may our lives be a living testimony of Your mercy and goodness. Help us, O Lord, to embody the spirit of the Good Samaritan in our daily interactions. Give us the courage to break down barriers of prejudice and to love unconditionally, just as You have loved us. May we "go and do likewise," following the example of Christ in all that we do. As we depart, bless us with Your continued guidance and protection. May the lessons we have learned today resonate in our hearts and guide our actions. May Your love and peace be with us always. In the name of Jesus Christ, we pray. Amen.