Sermon On the Net

THE GOOD SAMARITAN

Luke 10: Jesus sent 72 workers to the surrounding areas preaching the Word and healing the afflicted. They reported back to Him of their success. An interesting point here is Jesus’ instructions of not taking any provisions with them because they will be provided. This action supports my personal conviction that God will provide the needs of anyone doing His work with a deep conviction. I never believed, and still don’t today, that one has to ask for money for His work. Jesus set a tone that we (Evangelists and church leaders) should emulate. Jesus said that people who listen or reject the workers are doing the same as if to Him. Verse 16: “He listens to you listens to me; he who rejects you rejects me; but him who rejects me rejects him who sent me.” Another very interesting point in this chapter is Jesus telling them to be more grateful that their names are recorded in Heaven (verse 20), rather than their success evangelizing. We should all say amen to that.

 

We all know the parable of the Good Samaritan, how he was the only one of three passersby who stopped to help a person in need and provided for him until he recovered. This is a good lesson for us to follow. One never knows who it is that is in need. I believe that when we do something good for others it is the same as doing it for God. In Hebrews 13:16 it says, “And do not forget to do good and share with others, for with such sacrifices God is pleased.”

 

The last point Jesus made in this chapter is that we should be more concerned with listening to His words than anyone else in this world.

 

His most important words to us are to love, honor, worship Him and to love others as we love ourselves. We can never be reminded enough of these two commandments. Most important is to remember to praise Him daily.

 

My friends; honoring and worshiping God is to accept His free gift of eternal life and to fellowship and praise Him every day. To love our neighbor as ourselves is to do exactly that; love them without expectation of return. Doesn’t God love in that way? Did He allow His Son to be crucified on the cross expecting a return? No, He did not. He desires that we will accept His gift but He won’t force it upon us. Why not accept His unconditional free gift of life so that you, too, can rejoice that your name will be recorded in Heaven?