"three Ways We Can View People"

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!