Series: When a Heart Breaks
Sermon: The Compassionate Samaritan
Scripture: Luke 10
ICE BREAKER: What is an odd job that you had at one point in your life?
REVIEW:
This week, Pastor Lee Wong kicked off our "When a Heart Breaks" series with a message on the Compassionate Samaritan.
We were shown the context of a confrontation between Jesus and a teacher of the Jewish Law. "What must I do to inherit eternal life?" the teacher asked.
Jesus responded by asking what the law says, to which the teacher replied, "Love the Lord your God with all your heart, soul, and mind - and love your neighbor as yourself."
Jesus acknowledged that was the Old Testament answer. However, the teacher pressed harder and wanted to know who EXACTLY his neighbor was. This led Jesus into the parable.
A man is robbed and beaten within an inch of his life traveling from Jerusalem to Jericho. Laying in the ditch and in desperate need of help, a priest comes traveling down that road but passes by on the other side. Next a Levite comes through and does the same, leaving the man for dead.
Finally, a Samaritan came. Jews HATED Samaritans. They are the last people anyone would think would help out. Yet, Jesus said this Samaritan was MOVED TO COMPASSION when he saw the man.
This word "Moved to Compassion" is the greek word SPLANCHNIZOMAI - an incredibly visceral word that is used 11 times in the New Testament. It means to be eaten up with a discontent. This feeling is gut-wrenching and heart breaking! It is the kind of emotion that FORCES you to take action!
When have you felt this kind of compassion before?
Has anyone ever shown that kind of compassion to you?
The Samaritan bandaged the man's wounds, placed him on his animal, took him to town and paid for him to be taken care of at a local Inn. At the end of the Parable, Jesus asked, "Which man was more like a neighbor?" Of course, everyone had to admit it was the hated Samaritan.
APPLY:
In the story Jesus told, the Samaritan teaches us many things! However, of most importance is that the Samaritan represents Jesus. Every time the word SPLANCHNIZOMAI is used in scripture, it is about Jesus! This Heart Breaking kind of compassion is unique to our savior.
That means you and I are the man who has been beaten and left for dead. Beaten up by a broken world and left without hope of ultimate healing. If you have never put your faith in Jesus, this is your first step!
In the parable, the Innkeeper represents the church - a place where the hurting can come and heal. If you are already a believer in Jesus, this is your role! We come alongside what Jesus has already done and take care of each other while we wait for his return! In this way, we take on the compassion of Jesus. We allow our heart to break for the things that break the heart of God! We believe with the power of Jesus in us:
WHEN A HEART BREAKS
LOVE BREAKS OUT
WHERE ARE YOU AT TODAY?
Are you still in the ditch, waiting to be rescued? Have you never put your trust in Jesus? If so, there is nothing stopping you and nothing holding you back. Jesus' heart breaks for us and it moved him to action, even to his death to pay for our sins!
Have you recently been rescued? If you have put your faith in Jesus and have not been baptized, it's time to self-identify as one of the Innkeepers by going public with your faith! You can sign up at www.metachurch.tv/baptisms
Maybe you are a long time believer and it is time to embrace your role taking care of others who are hurting and broken?
PRAY
Spend some time thanking Jesus for being the compassionate Samaritan and rescuing us! Seek how the Holy Spirit is leading you to show that same kind of compassion to the world around you.
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