Love In Action

Love In Action

Luke 10:25-37

April 17, 2005

Luke 10:25-28 (NLT)

One day an expert in religious law stood up to test Jesus by asking him this question: "Teacher, what must I do to receive 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!"

A Test

 A scribe educated in the law

 The question of eternal life

– In accordance with the law

 Loving God – Deuteronomy 6:5

– Completely

– Heart, soul, mind & strength

– Loving others as you love yourself

Luke 10:29(NLT)

The man wanted to justify his actions, so he asked Jesus, "And who is my neighbor?"

Situational Holiness

 The question “who is my neighbor?”

– Who do I have to love?

– Who can I exclude?

– Can I limit my realm of responsibility?

Luke 10:30-32 (NLT)

Jesus replied with an illustration: "A Jewish man was traveling on a trip from Jerusalem to Jericho, and he was attacked by bandits. They stripped him of his clothes and money, beat him up, and left him half dead beside the road.

[31] "By chance a Jewish 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.

Hypocrisy In Action

 Both the Priest and the Levite were religious men

– Known for their religious work

– Often seen in the temple

– Of high prestige and reputation

 Why didn’t they stop to help?

– To busy?

– Not dressed appropriately?

– Didn’t want to defile themselves?

– Didn’t want to risk being robbed?

[33] "Then a despised Samaritan came along, and when he saw the man, he felt deep pity. [34] Kneeling beside him, the Samaritan soothed his wounds with medicine 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 pieces of silver and told him to take care of the man. ’If his bill runs higher than that,’ he said, ’I’ll pay the difference the next time I am here.’

An Unlikely Hero

 Samaritans and Jews didn’t mix

– Why should he help?

 The Samaritan was moved by compassion

 Love at great sacrifice

– Plans

– Travel

– Time

– Money

Luke 10:36-37 (NLT)

"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."

Being A Good Neighbor

 Your neighbors are not just those who live near you

 Your neighbors are not those who are just like you

 Your actions bear out if you truly love your neighbor

 What do you do out of self love that you are unwilling to do for others?

**Powerpoint available upon request