Title: “3 Ways We Can View People” Script: Lk. 10:30-37
Type: Series Where: GNBC 11-17-19
Intro: FAMOUS NEIGHBORS Can you name some famous neighbors?
*Mr. Rogers Neighborhood in his sweater and sneakers … “It’s a beautiful day in the neighborhood … won’t you be my neighbor?” *Dennis the Menace … “Helloooo Mr. Wilson!”
*Ricky & Lucy Ricardo … Fred & Ethel Mertz. *Tim “the Tool Man” Taylor … Wilson. Have you ever had trouble with a neighbor? It can be very stressful can’t it? The story of the Good Samaritan is about neighbors, and it has all the elements of a movie: violence … crime … racial discrimination … hatred … neglect … unconcern … love … mercy. Who says the Bible isn’t relevant to the modern world? (SOURCE: Ray Scott in “The Good Samaritan” on SermonCentral.) Today’s message comes out of one of the most popular stories of Jesus’ ministry, we sought to answer an individual’s question asking: “Who is my neighbor?”
Prop: Exam. the parable of the Good Samaritan we can see 3 ways we view people.
BG: 1. This was a new take to me on an old story. 3 distinct groups in their responses to the traveler.
2. Story was told by Jesus to answer a question by religious lawyer who was attempting to justify self and force Jesus into answering a question of: “Who then is my neighbor?”
Prop: As we exam. parable of the Good Samaritan we’ll see 3 ways we view individuals.
I. 1st: The Robbers Saw the Traveler as Prey to Attack. V. 30
A. The Robbers had the attitude of: “What’s yours is ours and we can take it from you!”
1. The robbers were motivated by greed!
a. Vv.30 (Read) Whether the unfortunate traveler lives or dies is of no concern to these men. They got what they wanted from him. Whether he lives or dies is of no concern to them, his life is of no value to them. His concerned family, friends, relatives…no thought is given. SELFISH GREED! No kindness no remorse.
b. Selfishness and greed are two traits that must train OUT of our children lest when they become older they choose the career path of these evil individuals. Illust – Have you ever heard of the “Child’s Law of Property”? Goes like this: 1. If I like it, it’s mine. 2. If it’s in my hand, it’s mine. 3. If I can take it from you, it’s mine. 4. If I had it a little while ago, it’s still mine! 5. If it’s mine, it must never appear to be yours in any way. 6. If I am doing or building something, all the pieces are mine. 7. If it looks just like mine, it’s mine. 8. If I think it’s mine, it’s mine! 9. If it’s yours and I steal it, it’s mine! (Can all relate to. Somewhat funny in children…Yet, when do you think they just automatically change? Don’t without training!) No. Guess why that way? Sin nature. If not trained now will meet the police later.
2. The robbers were a band of desperate individuals.
a. Before one can fully appreciate the story of the stricken traveler in Luke’s parable of the Good Samaritan, there needs to be a clearer understanding of the background and context of the bandits who attacked him. Who were they? What were their motivations? Why were they so merciless? There are two distinct terms available to Luke; each has its own unique social reality. The first is kleptes “thief” from which we derive the modern English term kleptomaniac. Luke uses it at 12.33 when he cautions his readers against laying up earthly treasures that a thief can steal. In relaying the parable of the Good Samaritan, Luke, however, chooses another term to describe the criminal deed perpetrated against an unsuspecting traveler. In this setting of a violent, highway robbery the term lestes is more appropriate. This term, used some fifteen times by New Testament writers describes armed bands of marauders who are intentionally brutal when they carry out their activities. The distinguishing marker is violence.
b. Class violence and extensive taxation, along now with Roman occupation, encouraged the more unscrupulous elements to PREY upon the weaker. Let me just say this as a freebie…an aside. We are entering the general election political season again in the US. More than at any time in my memory I am sickened by the Class envy that is driving so much of the message today by so many candidates. “Let’s make someone pay!” “Let’s make someone besides ME pay!” “Let me get something for FREE!” Get real, there is no “free” when dealing with the government.
B. Do We Ever Treat People Like the Bandits Treated the 1st Century Traveler?
*Not that assume some of you are knocking people off at I-80 rest stops!
1. Do you and I ever ask ourselves when it comes to relationships or involvement with other individuals: “What am I getting out of this?” Are we like the bandits motivated by selfishness/greed? Do you only see people in the light of what they might be able to do for you?
a. In a competitive society such as ours we can easily end up with such an attitude. We can always be asking: “What am I getting out of this?” “If I am not getting anything out of it, I’m not going to do it!” We want to gain something in everything we do, and sometimes we even seek to make a profit at someone else’s expense. We take advantage of situations and people, so we can get the most out of it.
b. Hopefully we don’t go to the extent of robbing someone else! Let’s ask ourselves, what do we take from our offices/factories. I know of a multi-million $ corp. here in town that does not supply office workers pens/pencils. People take! Did you file income tax statement honestly? Do you really need all the government benefits signed up for? Are you paying child support that owe or dumping on someone else? Are you paying a bill to someone who has provided a service for you or are buying a pleasure item for self while putting the other off? Stealing. Robbing. Using others!
2. Do you and I view people around us as “prey” to advance our own agenda?
a. The rungs of the corporate or academic ladder is not made up of the backs of your work or classmates.
b. Illust – Have a friend of mine who never seeks a bargain or asks to dicker about a price. Will go to purchase a car and will only ask what the price is. If it is what he thinks the car is worth, will make arrangements to buy. If not what thinks it is worth, he will walk away. Especially car salesmen like to dicker and offer “better price”. Yet, this friend assumes the best of others and wants others to assume best of him. Unique perspective. Not trying to use or abuse the other person even when trying to get something for self.
C. Applic: The motivating philosophy of the bandits was: “He has something I want, let’s beat him up.” Now again, maybe you are too refined to actually go out and beat some innocent person up. However, do you trash another’s reputation for own gain or advance self? Do you mislead people or shortchange them for own good? No different than the robbers.
II. 2nd The Priest and Levite Saw the Traveler as Trouble to Avoid?
A. Next we See 2 Unlikely Individuals Avoiding Contact with the Wounded Traveler.
1. The wounded traveler had baggage the priest and Levite didn’t want to carry. These two men were motivated by the mentality: “What’s mine is mine, and I will keep it from you!” In some ways, this too, like the bandits, is selfishness.
a. As Jesus is telling this story I am sure the audience is thinking to selves: “Ah, here we are. The best of the best in Jewish society! Men of respect and honor.” And yet, these men pass over to the other side so wouldn’t be bothered or inconvenienced. Illust – Had a dear old lady in church in SC. Believe has gone to be with the Lord. Mrs. S. was the stereotypical “old South” woman. Genteel and refined manners, devout, and as verbose as husband was quiet! Could talk the hind end off a mule! Never forget, about to go overseas and had to stop in at TJ Maxx in Col., SC, before flight. Selected items and approaching check out, but whom did I see? You guessed! She had the clerk pinned down! I swallowed hard. Sweat forming on head. Looked at watch. Made a decision go to other end of store and run around outside of the building so would be able to escape and not be inconvenienced! Avoided own member of congregation. Bad!
b. Now who were these two men? We are told a Priest and Levite. In Judaism, was a sharp distinction most don’t know today. Priest had to be a descendant from Aaron’s family. Levite had to simply be from the tribe of Levi (son of Jacob). A priest was by definition a Levite, yet not all Levites were priests. Priest was consecrated a Levite was purified. Only priests had the right to minister at the altar and enter Most Holy Place. Levite helped in duties. Again, in their society, best of the best. Best pedigree. Religious. What is the purpose of Christ using these examples? They were the best of the best of Jewish society.
2. Both the Priest and the Levite unfortunately saw the wounded Traveler as a major inconvenience.
a. Why would they have avoided contact with this man? If dead, according to Num. 19:11, would be ceremonially unclean. Would be unclean for 7 days. That would be too troublesome! Possibly on the way home from serving at the Temple in Jerusalem. Been gone and want to get home. Inconvenience.
b. Regardless the priest and Levite saw the man and hardened their hearts. Yes, professional religious workers can harden their hearts to what God wants to do in and through them! Maybe began to justify response in their minds: “Roads were dangerous. How foolish to travel alone. Should know better. IN fact, deserve it! You see, the Jericho Road was winding and descending through hills w/ narrow, dangerous passages that provided excellent area in which to set up an ambush!
B. What is our Motivation in Avoiding Contact with Troubled Individuals?
1. Most of us do not want the inconvenience such an interaction would cause.
a. Although we may not want to recognize it, are we motivated by the same greed as the priest and Levite? “What’s mine is mine and I am going to keep it.” - My time. My money. My clean home. My nice car. My safety…. The list is endless. Let’s face it, we all to some degree or another, see some people as trouble to avoid. There are times we choose to close our eyes to certain folks, to pass by on other side, because taking the time to stop could cost something important to us: time, resources, convenience, safety. I have been so very proud of the 50 people from Good News who have helped serve dinners at the SA this past year! AMAZING! True, some of the people may not be the most kind. Some might be a bit scarry. Some dirty and stinky. Some not coherent. Some not even grateful….BUT JESUS LOVES EACH ONE! And when you help serve a warm meal or offer a cup of hot coffee or say a pleasant word..He takes pleasure in your actions! Why? Because you are valuing that individual who has been made in the precious image of God.
b. Illust – Carol and I like to feed the birds. Especially when storm is coming in, you see the birds stocking up to stay warm. Often, at one of our feeders we will witness something that’s entertaining. All of the feeders are big enough for multiple birds to get on and enjoy. Yet, often, one bird will claim his territory and then run off any other bird that comes to try and eat. It’s ongoing slice of life. The dominant bird chases off any threats, and now and again a quick acting bird will get in and take a few seeds, only to be driven off when the big bird comes back. Now I fought the feeders, I filled them (or an assistant!), the birds receive it all by grace. Yet, day after day, they fight over who may enjoy it! How much we are like the birds! All we have or are that is worthwhile is a gift from the hand of God pure grace. Yet, we are proud, self-centered, envious, quarrelsome. Often we fight over God’s good gifts rather than expressing our gratitude and humility and sharing what we have been given with others.
2. Beware of living a life focused only on yourself and preserving what you have.
a. Illust: A neurotic sickly girl, suffering from insomnia, consulted a physician. After examining her and finding no physical cause, he bluntly said, “You have ingrown feelings.” She looked puzzled, so he made it plainer. “You think too much about yourself. What you need to do is to get away from yourself, get out among others, think of their troubles, and work to relieve them.” “Do you mean that I am selfish?” she asked. “Not exactly selfish,” the doctor said, “but you are self-centered.” The girl went home, thought over carefully what the wise physician had said, took his advice, and soon was restored to health.
b. The inconveniences of life are usually the God orchestrated opportunities of Heaven. My friend, not saying should help in every situation. Not saying isn’t a place for caution or wisdom or discernment or prudence. Am saying that the times we are lead by the Holy Spirit to step outside of our own comfort zones and by faith minister to the needs of others may be one of life’s biggest blessings to you. ILLUSTRATION: A heavily booked commercial flight out of Denver was canceled, and a single agent was rebooking a long line of inconvenienced travelers. Suddenly an angry passenger pushed his way to the front and slapped his ticket down on the counter. "I have to be on this flight and it has to be first class!" he insisted. "I’m sorry, sir," the agent replied. "I’ll be happy to help you, but I have to take care of these folks first." The passenger was unimpressed. "Do you have any idea who I am?" he demanded in a voice loud enough for the passengers behind him to hear. Without hesitating, the agent smiled and picked up her public-address microphone. "May I have your attention, please?" she broadcast throughout the terminal. "We have a passenger here at the gate who does not know who he is. If anyone can help him find his identity, please come to the gate." As the man retreated, the people in the terminal burst into applause.
C. Applic: Let’s not be guided by the priest and Levite’s philosophy: “He’s inconvenient, I’ll pass him up.”
III. 3rd: Like the Samaritan We Can Choose to View People as Someone to Help.
A. The Samaritan was motivated by the Attitude of: “What’s mine is God’s and I will share it with you.”
1. The Samaritan was driven by compassion.
a. Samaritans were considered “dirty dogs” by the Jews. They were ½ breeds who had Jewish ancestry mixed with Assyrian transplanted peoples. Samaritans worshipped at a different site, Mt. Gerizim, allowed for only the law and not the prophets, and were looked down upon by the Jews. In fact, they were hated.
b. I find it interesting that this Samaritan wasn’t trained in ministry like the priest and Levite. Probably didn’t know much from the Law, certainly not as much as the priest and Levite. Yet, he knew what was right and what was wrong. Leaving a wounded man to die in the son was WRONG and he would not allow it. So, instead he willingly inconvenienced himself in order to help this nameless traveler. Jeopardized his safety. Who knows maybe robbers were still nearby? Inconvenienced his plans: Take man to an inn. Inconvenienced his pocket book: Left 2 days wages and promised to come back later and pay any other charges. Treated wounds. Why? Because he felt compassion! God help the Church to be compassionate!
2. Compassion for the human race should move our hearts.
a. Illust: Jean Frederick Oberlin, a minister in 18th century Germany, was traveling by foot in winter when he was caught in a severe snowstorm. He soon lost his way in the blowing snow and feared he would freeze to death. In despair he sat down, not knowing which way to turn. Just then, a man came along in a wagon and rescued Oberlin. He took him to the next village and made sure he would be cared for. As the man prepared to journey on, Oberlin said, “Tell me your name so that I may at least have you in grateful remembrance before God.” The man, who by now had recognized Oberlin, replied, “You are a minister. Please tell me the name of the Good Samaritan.” Oberlin said, “I cannot do that, for it is not given in the Scriptures.” His benefactor responded, “Until you can tell me his name, please permit me to withhold mine.”
b. It was compassion that moved the heart of the Samaritan to help the needy man. Even though the victim was a Jew and long standing racial and religious prejudice between them, did not stop him from being compassionate to a needy member of the human race. Compassion perceives the preciousness of human life and looks beyond race, religion, economic status.
B. Christians Need to Realize God’s Blessings are ours to be shared as He sees fit.
1. God is the Owner of all we have been blessed to Steward.
a. Christian, we are to be compassionate even when it is inconvenient. Look at v. 35 – Samaritan had business to attend to. Had to be on his way. Yet he was a man of principle and a man of honor. He would be back when able and pay off the remaining balance.
b. The most common verb used in the Greek New Testament to refer to God’s compassion is splanchnizomai. This verb is used twelve times. Once it is used of the Samaritan’s compassion for the wounded man (Luke 10:33). The other eleven uses refer to God’s compassion. In two separate parables Jesus uses this verb to refer to God’s compassion in saving and forgiving sinners (Matt. 18:27 and Luke 15:20). The remainder of the uses of this verb all refer to compassion as the major motivation for Jesus’ healing and miracles. So in nine out of eleven occurrences where this verb is used of God’s compassion it refers to the compassion of the Lord Jesus Christ as his motivation for healing! Brother or sister: The world needs the healing that only compassion can bring. Let’s choose to love, even when it’s inconvenient.
2. Choose to Love those Whom You have no Human Reason to Love.
a. In his book Mere Christianity, C.S. Lewis wrote, "Do not waste your time bothering whether you ’love’ your neighbor act as if you did. As soon as we do this, we find one of the great secrets. When you are behaving as if you loved someone, you will presently come to love him. If you injure someone you dislike, you will find yourself disliking him more. If you do him a good turn, you will find yourself disliking him less." Our Daily Bread, February 14.
b. Illust: One of the most powerful images of Northern Ireland’s Troubles cruelty and humanity came on March 19, 1988. Just 3 days before an IRA funeral had been attacked by Loyalist Terrorists. Someone was going to pay! Now, one of those individual’s funeral procession going through streets of Andersontown, Belfast. Funeral cortege broke into bedlam when unmarked car carrying two British soldiers took wrong turn and came face to face with mourners. In a moment car set upon by scores of incensed men. Dragged from cars, cruelly beaten, when determined to be soldiers, taken and shot, and dumped in garbage area. Apparently one soldier, Corp. David Howe, was still alive, after being shot six times, multiple stab wounds, etc. Father Alec Reid, a Redemptorist priest at the Clonnard Abbey, a known Republican sympathizer and no friend of Unionists or the British Army, came out onto the violence filled streets. Kneeling before the dying young Corporal, he administered last rites and stayed with the wounded man until he died. Why? Because the soldier was a human. He may have been the enemy, but he was human in need of love and compassion.
C. Applic: You see the Samaritan was guided by the philosophy: “That man is hurting and I will pick him up.”
