The Good Samaritan | Nathan

Series:  The Parables of Jesus
Part 5:  The Good Samaritan
Sermon by: Nathan Cook (Missions Dir.)
Scripture:  Luke 10:25-37

In the fifth installment of "The Parables of Jesus" series, Pastor Paul Lawler delves into a profound question: "What must I do to inherit eternal life?" This question, though somewhat uncomfortable, is essential for all of us to contemplate, especially in light of our inevitable mortality. 

Examining Luke 10:25-37, Pastor Paul explores the encounter between a man seeking to test Jesus and the subsequent parable of the Good Samaritan. Jesus responds to the man's question by emphasizing the importance of loving God and loving one's neighbor as oneself, summarizing the essence of God's law.

The parable illustrates how religious individuals, like the priest and the Levite, can be spiritually cold and indifferent to those in need. It also highlights the unexpected heroism of a Samaritan, emphasizing that neighborly love transcends racial and social boundaries. Jesus' story exposes the impossibility of self-justification through the law, showing that true love, even for enemies, is what God desires.

Ultimately, Pastor Paul emphasizes the importance of cultivating self-sacrificial, costly love for others, acknowledging that none of us have done this perfectly. He reminds us that Jesus exemplified such love for us, even when we were at enmity with Him, just as the Samaritan showed compassion to a wounded stranger.