Title: Luke 10:25–37
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Luke 10:25–37
And behold, a lawyer stood up to put him to the test, saying, “Teacher, what shall I do to inherit eternal life?” He said to him, “What is written in the Law? How do you read it?” And 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.” And he said to him, “You have answered correctly; do this, and you will live.”
But he, desiring to justify himself, said to Jesus, “And who is my neighbor?” Jesus replied, “A man was going down from Jerusalem to Jericho, and he fell among robbers, who stripped him and beat him and departed, leaving him half dead. Now by chance a priest was going down that road, and when he saw him he passed by on the other side. So likewise a Levite, when he came to the place and saw him, passed by on the other side. But a Samaritan, as he journeyed, came to where he was, and when he saw him, he had compassion. He went to him and bound up his wounds, pouring on oil and wine. Then he set him on his own animal and brought him to an inn and took care of him. And the next day he took out two denarii and gave them to the innkeeper, saying, ‘Take care of him, and whatever more you spend, I will repay you when I come back.’ Which of these three, do you think, proved to be a neighbor to the man who fell among the robbers?” He said, “The one who showed him mercy.” And Jesus said to him, “You go, and do likewise.” (ESV)
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In his sermon on Luke 10:25–37, Jed Gillis explores the parable of the Good Samaritan to highlight the tension between exclusivity and inclusivity in Christianity. The narrative begins with a lawyer questioning Jesus about inheriting eternal life. Jesus responds by affirming the lawyer’s summary of the law: to love God entirely and to love one's neighbor as oneself. Seeking to justify himself, the lawyer asks, "Who is my neighbor?"
Jesus tells a parable where a man is attacked by robbers and ignored by both a priest and a Levite. However, a Samaritan—considered an outsider—shows compassion, tending to the man's wounds and ensuring his care at an inn. Through this parable, Jesus illustrates that genuine love transcends social boundaries and religious duties.
Gillis emphasizes that Christianity demands both exclusive devotion to Christ and inclusive compassion towards others. This duality reflects our need to forget past failures while remembering God's grace. The Good Samaritan's actions exemplify true neighborly love driven by compassion rather than obligation.
The sermon challenges believers to evaluate their own lives for genuine compassion, reflecting Christ's love through practical and heartfelt actions toward those in need, regardless of their background or beliefs.
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Berean Bible Church is a non-denominational church in East Knoxville, TN. We are grounded in the Word, celebrating the transformative power of the Gospel. Our community thrives on worship and mutual encouragement, fostering deep connections among members. Committed to our mission, we reach out with compassion and hope, reflecting God's glory throughout our city and beyond.
Learn more at berean.church.
