Open Hands

July 12, 2020

“This week we will think about giving expensively with our open hands by studying the ways that Jesus calls us to die to ourselves as we follow Him.” 

STUDY THE SCRIPTURE

Click here to access the reading from Luke 10:25-37

For more help use this Bible Study method

To view today’s sermon wait until 1 p.m. and go here.  Use these sermon notes for your family and/or small group discussions.

  

REFLECTION

I’ve Heard That One Before

by Elaine Pierce

How many sermons have you heard on this passage, commonly known as the Good Samaritan? Sometimes it’s hard to read familiar passages like this and see what God has in store for this at this season of our life. Come, Holy Spirit, and help us find your truth as we walk through 2020 in the time of Corona-virus, racial unrest, and national and international tensions.

The same God who breathed life into Adam and Eve is the God who is with us in today’s world of turmoil and strife. Jesus walked on this earth, and he told his disciples parables like the ones we read today, and there was truth there for his disciples then and there is truth there for us now.

Who do you identify with most in this story, the man who was beaten and robbed? Or the Priest or the Levite, who passed by on the other side and were too busy (or too prejudiced?) to help? What about the Samaritan, who bound up his wounds, got him medical care (and paid for it) and promised to return? 

We want to be like that Good Samaritan, don’t we? But at times, it’s just not convenient to show mercy. 

In this season, have you found yourself slowing down, and paying attention to those cries for help? Or are we still too caught up in our own troubles to reach out and lend a hand? If you are feeling beat up and abandoned, please reach out for help. Your wounds might be physical; they might be emotional or spiritual, but the Lord longs for you to experience healing and wholeness. And those of you who are walking down the road – be on the lookout for ways to bind up wounds. 

A small group is an excellent way to share your life and struggles with other Christians. Go to www.ualc.org/smallgroups to find out how to join a group.

And remember, the Lord is near to the brokenhearted, and he saves those crushed in spirit (Psalm 34:18). 

We started off by pointing out that it can be challenging to find new insights into scripture we’ve read hundreds of times before. Let me leave you with this encouragement from I Chronicles 16:11-12. “Every good and perfect gift is from above, coming down from the Father of the heavenly lights, who does not change like shifting shadows,”

God’s word is faithful and true.

UALC’s CAMPAIGN OF PRAYER

SUNDAY Pray the scriptures. Some examples are Psalm 91:1-5 / Psalm 121:5-8 / John 14:27 / Philippians 4:6-7 / 2 Timothy 1:7

Mercy, Not Self-Righteous Justification

Luke 10:25-37

This is another 'famous' story in scripture that would be easy for us to gloss over.....yes, yes, I've read this one many times, and we all know the story of the Good Samaritan....

So take a moment, and read it with fresh eyes.  Ask God to give you HIS heart as you read - what new truth do you see in this old story?

This time through for me, I was struck by the words that Luke uses to describe the young attorney's question:  "he wanted to justify himself, so he asked Jesus, 'And who is my neighbor?' (v. 29).

Not "he wanted to know more."
Not "he was surprised by Jesus' comments and wanted to keep a dialogue going."

No.  He wanted to justify himself.  Doesn't that cut to the core of how we often approach the Lord?  Lord, I want you to know that I had no choice when I cut off that driver.  It wasn't my fault.  Lord, you can't expect me to be civil to that coworker who is always taking credit for my work?  And on it goes.  

Here's my next 'new' takeaway:  the parable ends with Jesus asking the young man "Which of these three do you think was a neighbor too the man who fell into the hands of robbers?"  (v. 36).  This time the lawyer answers with much more insight:  "The one who had mercy on him."  (v. 37).

Webster's dictionary defines mercy as 'compassion or forbearance shown especially to an offender or to one subject to ones power; compassionate treatment of those in distress.'

How do I show mercy to those around me?  If i am a boss or manager, can I show mercy to my employees?  How can i show compassionate treatment of those in distress?  I am reminded of these verses in Matthew 25:

37 “Then the righteous will answer him, ‘Lord, when did we see you hungry and feed you, or thirsty and give you something to drink?38 When did we see you a stranger and invite you in, or needing clothes and clothe you? 39 When did we see you sick or in prison and go to visit you?’

40 “The King will reply, ‘Truly I tell you, whatever you did for one of the least of these brothers and sisters of mine, you did for me.’

We have great opportunities to show mercy!  Lord, help us seek not to justify our own selfish ends, but to show mercy - and to see those brothers and sisters in need that you bring into our lives.  Amen.  

What about the Innkeeper?

Luke 10:25 (NIV)
²⁵  On one occasion an expert in the law stood up to test Jesus. "Teacher," he asked, "what must I do to inherit eternal life?"

Question: "What must I do to inherit eternal life?"

Answer: "Love the LORD your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your mind; and love your neighbor as yourself."

It seems we ask this question hoping the answer will change or will be easier to accomplish. Scripture tells us Love God, then, Love mankind; in that order.  For that is the only order that works.

The story of the Good Samaritan is a familiar tale of the unexpected behavior of three individuals. First a man is robbed and beaten and deserted on the road - left to die. Luckily a priest happens along, but this priest didn't have love in his heart. How else could you explain his crossing the road to avoid the injured man?

The second person, a Levite, did much the same and ignored the needs of the dying man. Interestingly, a Samaratan man, who was frowned upon by Priests and Levites, jumped into action. When he discovered the poor man he bandaged his wounds and took him to safety, setting him up at an inn where he could heal and rest.

Luke 10:35 (NIV)
³⁵  The next day he took out two silver coins and gave them to the innkeeper. 'Look after him,' he said, 'and when I return, I will reimburse you for any extra expense you may have.' 

New observation: The Samaritan wasn't the only good person in this story. What about the Innkeeper? He didn't have to agree to take care of this stranger.  He didn't have to believe the Samaritan would return and make good on his promise.  There must be more here than meets the eye. What do you think?  Feel free to comment in the space below.



Luke 10:25-37