This sermon utilizes the telling of the “good Samaritan” emphasizing the phrase certain ________. By analyzing each of the characters identified in this parable the listener will be asked to draw conclusion of which character they best associate with. Found in Luke 10:25-
Luke 10:25 And, behold, a certain lawyer stood up, and tempted him, saying, Master, what shall I do to inherit eternal life?
26 He said unto him, What is written in the law? how readest thou?
It is important to note this verse, one of my favorite because it brings perspective for the Bible student to know that it’s not just that we read the Bible, but how we read it that will bring about the appropriate understanding.
2 Timothy 2:15 Study to shew thyself approved unto God, a workman that needeth not to be ashamed, rightly dividing the word of truth.
The Bible has divisions that must be rightly identified so that you don’t end up with doctrinal heresy.
A Certain Lawyer
Luke 10:25 And, behold, a certain lawyer stood up, and tempted him, saying, Master, what shall I do to inherit eternal life?
This certain lawyer had no interest in learning from the master, but rather was looking for a way to trick Jesus. There are many in the ranks of both the church and the world that always search diligently the Scriptures, not for the truth, but rather to prove or justify themselves. Perhaps those that look for vs. that will exonerate their sin in their own eyes then will find the “don’t judge me” vs. to throw back in your face. Note the true motivation of this certain lawyer
Luke 10:29 But he, willing to justify himself, said unto Jesus, And who is my neighbour?
A Certain Man
Luke 10:30 And Jesus answering said, A certain man went down from Jerusalem to Jericho, and fell among thieves, which stripped him of his raiment, and wounded him, and departed, leaving him half dead.
I think we can all put ourselves in the unfortunate position of this certain man. Think of the times that we’ve been wounded, desperate, in need of immediate help. Perhaps when we reflect on these times it will give us empathy and insight when we see others dealing with bad circumstances. Perhaps you’re in those circumstances now but afraid to ask for help.
A Certain Priest
Luke 10:31 And by chance there came down a certain priest that way: and when he saw him, he passed by on the other side.
So often in the ministry we can become calloused to the needs of the world. This certain priest passed by without any compassion or any desire to help. We work so hard sometimes to not be part of the problem, so we don’t have to be part of the solution.
The Levite
Luke 10:32 And likewise a Levite, when he was at the place, came and looked on him, and passed by on the other side.
Here is modern religion at its finest. They have no problem seeing the need, preaching about the need, using it as an example in a sermon; but never really helping.
A Certain Samaritan
Luke 10:33 But a certain Samaritan, as he journeyed, came where he was: and when he saw him, he had compassion on him,
Love that produces an action is called charity, this certain Samaritan had compassion on the certain man in the ditch and it produced an action.
Luke 10:34 And went to him, and bound up his wounds, pouring in oil and wine, and set him on his own beast, and brought him to an inn, and took care of him.
Note:
- And went to him – ministry always requires effort.
- Poured in oil and wine – ministry always needs resources (Bibles, chairs, ect.)
- Set him on his own beast – ministry requires sacrifice (time, money)
- He took care of him – ministry requires an investment of time. Not just a singular event.
Luke 10:35 And on the morrow when he departed, he took out two pence, and gave them to the host, and said unto him, Take care of him; and whatsoever thou spendest more, when I come again, I will repay thee.
Ministry costs money. Resources, time and even training. So many Passover the fact that a pastor should receive compensatory wages feeling that all men of God should be volunteers. The Bible does not teach that at all. A learned pastor would have gone through some level of training, perhaps by the college that can average $40,000 – $65,000 per year for an accredited Bible Degree not including living expenses. In many cases a Pastor will invest as much or more in training for the ministry then most other professions that require a degree. However, despite the fact that this monetary investment has been made, people still feel that a pastor should not receive competitive wages.
1 Timothy 5:18 For the scripture saith, Thou shalt not muzzle the ox that treadeth out the corn. And, The labourer is worthy of his reward.
We can all relate at being one of these certain people:
- The certain lawyer
- The certain man
- The certain Priest
- The Levite
- The certain Samaritan
2 Corinthians 13:5 Examine yourselves, whether ye be in the faith; prove your own selves. Know ye not your own selves, how that Jesus Christ is in you, except ye be reprobates?