Scripture: Luke 10:30-37
Note Vs 30: This verse provides the definition of ministry (people) and shares
the condition of some people that need the Lord.
I. Vs 31-32 Time
This certain man was robbed, wounded, and near death, but the religious
leaders did not take the time to provide him with any assistance. The priest
did not take the time to stop and the Levite basically said “I will pray for
you.” They both passed by on the other side and refused to invest any time on
a helpless individual. This was an opportunity for them to (practice what you
preach) and minister to the needs of their neighbor. Could you imagine calling 911
and being put on hold or the police/fire department refusing to come to your
house. Well this man called 911 and you see what happened. *Point: You have to
deal with people in order to reach them with the gospel. Question: How many
times have you walked pass somebody and refused to help (minister) them? I’m
talking about when the Lord told you to help the person. Maybe we are just too
busy, too lazy, or just don’t care, but the Lord always had time for people. It
is important to spend time with family, friends, and people who need the Lord.
Remember Jesus did eat with sinners and he died for everybody. Spend your time
wisely and don’t pass by on the other side.
II. Vs. 33-34 Compassion
This man did not need pity or sympathy, but he did need help with his physical
situation immediately. This certain man was half dead and he needed heart felt
compassion. Compassion: You help someone in need, especially when they can’t
help themselves. *Point: feed/hungry, cloth/naked, drink/thirsty. This
Samaritan showed compassion to a stranger and treated him like a neighbor. He
came to the certain man, showed him compassion, bound up his wounds, and gave him
a ride to an inn. The Samaritan took care of the certain man like he was a
family member. The Bible says “As we have therefore opportunity, let us do
good unto all men.” Galatians 6:10. This Samaritan did what the Jews were not
willing to do and what the Lord does for believers every day. The Lord shows
us compassion when we are hurting and paid the price of redemption at Calvary.
Psalm 116:5 “Gracious is the Lord and righteous, yea, our God is merciful.”
The Lord is full of compassion and we need to share his compassion with
others.
III. Vs. 35 Money
You may be familiar with the statements “put your money where your mouth is”
or “put up or shut up”. Well this Samaritan was willing to make a financial
investment in the well-being of another human being that probably did not look
like him. Don’t miss the fact that the certain man in this story was probably
a Jew. *Point: The mandate from the Lord is that we minister to everybody. So
we are in the grace business not the race business. The church should be a
reflection of the community and most communities look like Baskin-Robbins. It
takes money to minister to people, because we are trying to reach the world.
Back to the Samaritan. He spent the night at the inn, provided food, lodging,
medical care and left at least two days pay with the host for future expenses.
He promised to return later to check on the certain man’s condition. This
Samaritan did everything possible to make the certain man whole physically and
we should do everything possible to make people whole spiritually. Money is a
vital part of ministry and giving keeps selfishness at bay. This Samaritan
saved this man’s life and ministry requires money to save souls. *Point:
Salvation is free, but ministry cost. So, be a good believer and share your
resources with others. *Read Matthew 25:14-30.
IV. Vs. 36-37 Obedience
The issue is not about giving time, compassion or money, but will you obey
God. Jesus told the lawyer to go and repeat the deeds of the Samaritan. The
Holy Spirit will lead you to the people that need your help, but will you pass
by on the other side. Or, will you (share Christ) help people. People do need
your time, compassion, resources, but most importantly they need Christ. Being
Christ like means that you get involved in the lives of other people. Remember
Jesus fed people with a boy’s lunch, because hunger would keep them from
focusing on the truth. Life has many distractions and we have to remove things
that will hinder the gospel. Paul said that “I be free from all men, yet have
I made myself servant unto all, that I might gain the more.” His purpose was
that he might by all means save some. We obey God, because we want people to
obey the gospel. Read Matthew 25:35-40 and pay the price of ministry.
I hope this was a blessing to you.
Because He Lives
Bro. Mack
Growing Together In Christ