Compassion in Action September 22, 2024 Luke 10:25-37
Good morning friends! I hope you are doing well.
BIBLE READING
Luke 10:25-37
“Just then a lawyer stood up to test Jesus. “Teacher,” he said, “what must I do to inherit eternal life?” 26 He said to him, “What is written in the law? What do you read there?” 27 He answered, “You shall love the Lord your God with all your heart, and with all your soul, and with all your strength, and with all your mind; and your neighbor as yourself.” 28 And he said to him, “You have given the right answer; do this, and you will live.”
29 But wanting to justify himself, he asked Jesus, “And who is my neighbor?” 30 Jesus replied, “A man was going down from Jerusalem to Jericho, and fell into the hands of robbers, who stripped him, beat him, and went away, leaving him half dead. 31 Now by chance a priest was going down that road; and when he saw him, he passed by on the other side. 32 So likewise a Levite, when he came to the place and saw him, passed by on the other side.
33 But a Samaritan while traveling came near him; and when he saw him, he was moved with pity. 34 He went to him and bandaged his wounds, having poured oil and wine on them. Then he put him on his own animal, brought him to an inn, and took care of him. 35 The next day he took out two denarii, gave them to the innkeeper, and said, ‘Take care of him; and when I come back, I will repay you whatever more you spend.’ 36 Which of these three, do you think, was a neighbor to the man who fell into the hands of the robbers?” 37 He said, “The one who showed him mercy.” Jesus said to him, “Go and do likewise.”
INTRODUCTION
Imagine walking down a dusty road when you suddenly see someone lying by the roadside, clearly hurt and in need. You see others walking by, ignoring the person. You feel a pull in your heart to help, but also a hesitation—what if it’s dangerous, or what if you don’t know what to do? After a moment, you decide to stop and offer assistance. Your act of kindness could make a huge change in that person’s life.
The story of the Good Samaritan is one of the most famous stories Jesus told. It teaches us how to be a good neighbor, not just to those we know, but to anyone in need.
The purpose of this sermon is to understand how God calls us to respond to trials—not just our own, but those of others around us. As we explore the parable of the Good Samaritan, we’ll learn that God calls us to act in love and compassion, even when it’s inconvenient or difficult.
Today, we’re going to look at this story and learn what it means to truly help others, even when it's not easy. We will also see how this parable can teach us how to face trials with kindness and compassion.
SHOWING COMPASSION
There was once a busy man who saw a stranger struggling with a heavy load. He was in a hurry and didn’t want to be late for work, but something in his heart wouldn’t let him just pass by. He stopped and offered to help, even though it cost him time. In the end, the stranger was so grateful, and the busy man found that his small act of kindness brought him more joy than making it to work on time.
The priest and the Levite in the story of the Good Samaritan were both busy people. They saw the man in need, but they chose to walk by, likely because it was inconvenient. The Samaritan, however, stopped. He let compassion guide his actions instead of his schedule. This teaches us that true love doesn’t just show up when it’s convenient. It shows up when it’s needed. Helping others may take time, but it’s worth it.
Matthew 9:36
"But when He saw the multitudes, He was moved with compassion for them, because they were weary and scattered, like sheep having no shepherd."
Colossians 3:12
"Therefore, as the elect of God, holy and beloved, put on tender mercies, kindness, humility, meekness, longsuffering."
1 John 3:17
"But whoever has this world’s goods, and sees his brother in need, and shuts up his heart from him, how does the love of God abide in him?"
LOVE IN ACTION
A man once saw a person by the side of the road with a broken cart. He didn’t have any tools on him, and it would have been easier to keep walking. But instead, he stopped, found help, and even gave some of his own food to the person. His action showed that love isn’t just a feeling; it’s something we do.
The Samaritan didn’t just feel sorry for the man who was attacked; he did something about it. He bandaged his wounds, took him to a safe place, and paid for his care. Love is more than just feeling bad for someone—it’s about taking action to help them. When we face trials, or when we see others going through tough times, God calls us to show our love by what we do, not just what we say.
James 2:15-16
"If a brother or sister is naked and destitute of daily food, and one of you says to them, 'Depart in peace, be warmed and filled,' but you do not give them the things which are needed for the body, what does it profit?"
1 John 3:18
"My little children, let us not love in word or in tongue, but in deed and in truth."
Luke 6:31
"And just as you want men to do to you, you also do to them likewise."
HELP WITHOUT HESITATION
One day my wife and I were at a railway station. That day I was having a severe allergic reaction, and the soles of my feet were swollen and painful, and I was hobbling along, carrying two heavy suitcases. We had to climb the stairs to get from one platform to the other. A stranger saw my need, and immediately came up to me and offered to carry my suitcases. His generosity amazed me.
The Samaritan didn’t wait to be asked for help. He didn’t wonder if someone else might come along. He saw a need, and he acted immediately. When we face a situation, hesitation can keep us stuck in fear or doubt. But when we see others going through hard times, we shouldn’t wait for them to ask us for help. We should be quick to offer assistance, just as the Good Samaritan did. Our quick response can make all the difference. More than that, God’s heart is to respond to our needs quickly. We should do the same, for our neighbor.
Proverbs 3:27
"Do not withhold good from those to whom it is due, when it is in the power of your hand to do so."
Galatians 6:2
"Bear one another’s burdens, and so fulfill the law of Christ."
Hebrews 13:16
"But do not forget to do good and to share, for with such sacrifices God is well pleased."
SUMMARY
The Good Samaritan story teaches us that:
We must act with compassion, even when it’s not convenient.
True love is shown through our actions, not just our words.
Helping others should be done without hesitation. Because this is God’s heart toward us.
CONCLUSION
Remember the story of the person walking by the roadside and choosing to help. Just like that person, we are called to be quick to offer help when we see someone in need.
Trials and difficulties come in many forms, and sometimes, they come to us in the form of someone else’s pain.
When we see other people with those trials, let’s not hesitate—let’s show our love in our actions, just like the Good Samaritan.
1 John 3:18
“My little children, let us not love in word, neither in tongue; but in deed and in truth”
PRAYER
“Dear Lord, thank you for teaching us to have your heart for the people around us, our neighbors. Help us to show your compassion and help to them. Help us be Your hands and feet. In Jesus name. Amen.”