THE MAN BY THE SIDE OF THE ROAD

LUKE 10:2

A. MANY OF OUR LORD'S PARABLES WERE CONNECTED WITH THE EVERY DAY HAPPENINGS. THE PARABLE OF OUR TEXT IS NO EXCEPTION
  1. The scene portrayed in our text was vivid in the minds of His listeners because robbers, on the road to Jericho, were a constant threat to the traveling public:
    1. There were many so-called wayfarers who robbed the traveler, and in some instances killed them.
    2. The terrain lent itself to hideouts for the robbers.
  2. Our Lord, the Master of applied truth, answered the lawyer's question - "Who is my neighbor" by relating the incident of our text:
B. THE MAN BY THE SIDE OF THE ROAD
  1. His nationality:
    1. It seems evident that he was a Jew.
    2. To the Jewish lawyer, one of another nation would not come into consideration.
    3. Our Lord knew the attitude of His people toward other nationalities - John 4:1-28; Acts 10:28
  2. Had he indicated that the man that had been waylaid by the robbers was a Samaritan:
    1. His listeners would have lost interest in His message.
    2. Only one of their nation was considered a neighbor - Matt. 22:39
    3. The inquiring lawyers would have resisted the interpretation given by the Lord.
    4. There existed considerable hatred in the hearts of the Jews toward the Samaritans.
  3. The application of the parable:
    1. A wounded man lay beside the road.
    2. He was in need of urgent help by someone with any compassion, regardless of nationality.
      1. Two clergymen passed on the road to Jericho, who, of all men, should have come to his aid, but they failed to even touch him; they passed by on the other side.
      2. What a reflection upon the clergy!
  4. Let us take a closer look at their attitude toward the helpless victim of the robbers:
    1. Both of these men wore the garb of God's ministers of mercy.
    2. They, of all men, should have rendered help to the suffering.
    3. They failed utterly to even so much as turn a finger for the man.
    4. What a reflection on God's ministers!
  5. Then comes the Samaritan:
    1. Hated by the Jews and looked down upon as undeserving.
    2. He was full of compassion; he did not ask of what nationality the wounded man was.
    3. He tended to him; saved his life.
C. THE GREAT LESSON FOR US THIS MORNING
  1. My neighbor:
    1. Not a question of religious philosophy, but action, help, mercy, deeds!
    2. One who needs my help, regardless of race, color or creed?
    3. One for whom Jesus died.
    4. One to whom I am able to give help or assistance.
  2. The tragedy as revealed in the parable:
    1. The exposure of pretenders to holiness.
    2. Their utter blindness to the meaning of their office.
    3. Their total lack of the spirit of the God of mercy, at a time when mercy was to be dispensed.
    4. Their attitude -
      1. Was a reflection on the priesthood of God.
      2. It showed that to be in the garb of a priest did not mean that he was possessed of the spirit of Him who came to minister to the needs of others.
    5. But let us take the lesson home to our own lives. Do we have the form of godliness and lack the spirit of service?
    6. How many people by the side of the road have seen us pass by them without giving the help they were in need of?
    7. Let us practice the love and compassion of the good Samaritan. Deeds, and not form, is what is needed in the cause of God today.


Design © John Bryant 2011