Is It Bad or Good?
Luke 10:30-37 September 17, 2023
Victory Fellowship - Rev. Roderick Grabski
More often than not we generally assume the worst in any given situation or with certain people.
Illustration: “While you judge me by my outward appearance I am silently doing the same to you, even though there's a ninety-percent chance that in both cases our assumptions are wrong. Richelle E. Goodrich, Smile Anyway: Quotes, Verse, & Grumblings for Every Day of the Year
In today’s parable, everything is not what it seems. What’s appears good is bad, and what is assumed to be bad is really good.
I. Relate the Text
a. Jesus tells this parable in response to a question:
25 One day an expert in religious law stood up to test Jesus by asking him this question: “Teacher, what should I do to inherit eternal life?” 26 Jesus replied, “What does the law of Moses say? How do you read it?” 27 The man answered, “‘You must love the Lord your God with all your heart, all your soul, all your strength, and all your mind.’ And, ‘Love your neighbor as yourself.’” 28 “Right!” Jesus told him. “Do this and you will live!” 29 The man wanted to justify his actions, so he asked Jesus, “And who is my neighbor?”
b. In telling this parable, Jesus knows the Jewish people assumed the worse about Samaritans – that’s bad – no, that’s good.
i. (I like NLT rendering – despised rather than good )
c. It might seem good that the priest and Levite saw the man on the roadside. But they thought it was bad.
d. Jesus taught that the one assumed to be the worse was really the good neighbor.
II. Application:
a. The very least that being a good neighbor would require is for us to assume the best case scenario about others and situations.
(Romans 8:28) And we know that God causes all things to work together for good to those who love God, to those who are called according to [His] purpose.
b. If we practice assuming the best, we will get better. Instead of thinking “that’s bad” what is we tried to see the good in people and circumstances?
III. Who is our Despised Samaritan?
a. Those whom we consider least likely to be in a position to help us – or us to help them?
b. Family member? Boss? Political Rival? Sinner?
IV. Conclusion: Never assume that God doesn’t want you or anyone else in Heaven.
There are no despised Samaritans where forgiveness and Love abide. (invitation)
PRAYER
SONG: What Love Really Means
Luke 10:30-37 (NLT):
30 Jesus replied with a story: “A Jewish man was traveling from Jerusalem down to Jericho, and he was attacked by bandits. They stripped him of his clothes, beat him up, and left him half dead beside the road. 31 “By chance a priest came along. But when he saw the man lying there, he crossed to the other side of the road and passed him by. 32 A Temple assistant walked over and looked at him lying there, but he also passed by on the other side. 33 “Then a despised Samaritan came along, and when he saw the man, he felt compassion for him. 34 Going over to him, the Samaritan soothed his wounds with olive oil and wine and bandaged them. Then he put the man on his own donkey and took him to an inn, where he took care of him. 35 The next day he handed the innkeeper two silver coins, telling him, ‘Take care of this man. If his bill runs higher than this, I’ll pay you the next time I’m here.’ 36 “Now which of these three would you say was a neighbor to the man who was attacked by bandits?” Jesus asked. 37 The man replied, “The one who showed him mercy.” Then Jesus said, “Yes, now go and do the same.”