Charity – more than words
Series: Holy – Holy – Holy | Bible text: Luke 10:25–37
Through the story of the Good Samaritan we can learn a lot about how the application of our faith should be done. Being close to God does not equal being like God. Just because we spend a lot of time in the proximity of God does not necessarily mean that this influences our thoughts and actions. Therefore, help can sometimes come from the very people from whom it is least expected. Followers of Jesus are to emulate the example of the Good Samaritan. But Jesus Christ himself is even more merciful than the Samaritan. He gave himself so that we might have life.
The Good Samaritan
I asked the teenagers what topic they would like to hear a sermon on this morning. Among other things, the theme of love of neighbour came up as a suggestion. So I would like to share a few thoughts on this topic based on an incident of Jesus Christ. One day a scribe came and wanted to trap Jesus. He asked how he could get eternal life. But Jesus answered with a counter-question: What does the law mean? «The man answered: «You shall love the Lord your God with all your heart, with all your soul, with all your strength and with all your mind. And: Love your neighbour as yourself» ». (Luke 10:27 NLB). Jesus could only agree with this answer and challenged the scribe to do this and thereby he will live. But the scribe was still not satisfied and asked the question, «Who is my neighbour?» To this Jesus gives his answer in the form of the parable of the Good Samaritan (Luke 10:30–37). I will describe this here and also already include a few interpretations and background information.
A man was travelling on the road from Jerusalem to Jericho. This road was notorious for its inaccessible terrain, through which the 27km long path wound. This road was known as the «bloody way». On the way, the man is attacked by robbers, robbed for money and clothes and then left half dead by the roadside. But he is lucky. For although it is a dangerous road, there are others on the way. A priest is coming from Jerusalem. He had just completed his one-month priestly service and is now on his way home. When he sees the man lying there, he changes sides of the road. He does not want to stay here too long, be robbed himself or even touch a corpse which would make him ritually unclean. So he moves on. After him comes a temple servant. This one helped the priest to perform his service. He too was in a hurry and did not stop. Like his superior, he changed sides of the road and passed quickly. But again, footsteps can be heard. Already a man with his mount is turning the corner. But this time it is not a Jew, but a Samaritan. The Jews hate the Samaritans. They were also somehow descended from the Israelites, but they were not so fond of proper worship. A few decades earlier, they had defiled the temple square in Jerusalem and the Jews could not forget this so quickly. No help could be expected from this Samaritan, for a Jew would certainly not help him either. But when the Samaritan saw the half-dead man, something happened – he got compassion. His reaction is not long in coming. «He knelt beside him, treated his wounds with oil and wine and bandaged them. Then he lifted the man onto his own donkey and took him to an inn where he tended him». (Luke 10:34 NLB). The next day, the Samaritan makes sure that the innkeeper continues to take good care of him. He leaves a deposit and promises to pay the rest if things get more expensive. After everything is settled, he goes on his way and departs. Let us now try to understand this parable better with the help of three points.
Proximity to God vs. Godlikeness
The first two gentlemen who met the man on the ground were priests and a Levite. These were destined by lineage to serve God. They had a great closeness to God. The priests were allowed to come closer to God than anyone else. The Levite helped the priest to fulfil his duties. Both were well acquainted with the Law. They dealt with biblical passages such as «Do not take vengeance on a member of your people or bear him a grudge, but love your neighbour as yourself. I am the LORD!» (Exodus 19:18 NLB). This passage was also reproduced by the scribe who asked Jesus the question. I think that the scribe himself belonged to one of the two groups. Unfortunately, the preoccupation with religious texts did not result in action. For example, a text from the prophet Hosea. «I want you to be merciful; I do not want your sacrifices. My concern is that you know my will, not that you bring me burnt offerings». (Hosea 6:6 NLB).
At one university, the theology students had the topic of charity, and this parable was also dealt with. On the day of the exam, an emergency situation was re-enacted on the path that all the students had to walk. The aim was to find out to what extent dealing with a topic had an effect on the concrete action. What came out of it? Those who were short of time walked past and did not help. Those with enough time willingly helped. Both groups had dealt with the issue in the same way, but it only had an effect on one group. Just dealing with a topic does not lead to a concrete implementation in everyday life.
The two religious people in the parable certainly had good reasons for passing by. One of the most understandable for the time was the ritual impurity that would come upon them if they touched a dead person. This would have excluded them from temple service for a time. However, they had just come from there. We too always have enough excuses not to do something. Be it lack of time or that someone else could do something. The British preacher C.H. Spurgeon sums up people’s behaviour. «I never saw a man refuse to help the poor who did not offer at least one admirable apology» (Charles Haddon Spurgeon). What is yours? Some time ago, I was travelling with a good friend by train on a Friday evening at 10pm from Bern to Thun. In Thun we and some other people got off the train. Suddenly, for some inexplicable reason, my colleague fainted and fell to the ground. I have never seen a platform empty as quickly as it did then. Only when I asked people passing by for help did someone help. In the end, he was only gone for a short time – just like all the other people were only gone for a short time.
At the end of the parable, Jesus confronts the scribe. « «Now which of the three do you think was closest to the man who was attacked by robbers?» asked Jesus. The man replied: «The one who had compassion and helped him.» Jesus replied, «Yes. Now go and do likewise» » (Luke 10:36–37 NLB). Knowledge alone does not help. Charity is more than words.
Help where it is least expected.
What made the difference in the Good Samaritan? So that nowadays he is proverbially synonymous with charity? «Finally, a Samaritan approached. When he saw the man, he felt deep compassion for him.» (Luke 10:33 NLB). Others also translate it as «it grieved him». The Samaritan let the man’s fate touch him. Merciful has the original meaning of «having his heart with the poor». This made the difference. He let his heart be warmed. It is quite characteristic that Jesus Christ includes a Samaritan in his parable, because an Israelite would really not have expected any help from him. Maybe it is the same with you teenagers. There are people who don’t think much of today’s youth. Maybe they don’t expect any help from you either. I would like to use two stories from my own life to show you why I am convinced that help often does not come from those who are expected to help. Rather, it comes from others.
When it comes to the subject of charity, my wish for you teenagers is that you do not act in such a prejudiced way. That you yourselves are not prejudiced, but let your hearts be touched and feel compassion. When we ask ourselves who our neighbour is, Jesus» invitation is also for us. «[…] Now go and do it the same way» (Luke 10:37 NLB). Are we ready to go and do? What I like so much about this story is the fact that the Samaritan was on the way. He was not actively seeking, but he allowed himself to be interrupted for a moment. He did the thing conscientiously, but then went back to his work. But he spared no expense or effort for the moment when he was needed. He simply helped where he was. He did not save the whole world, but was prepared to have his view of the world interrupted.
We need a twofold change. Today, the attitude is common that everything I have, money, success, friends, family, etc., I have so that it is me benefits. But this parable challenges followers of Jesus to change their attitude. Everything I have, money, success, friends, family, etc., I have so that I can other useful with it. We also need to rethink how we help others. Jesus Christ did not give us the commandment «Treat others as others would treat you», but rather «Treat others as you would like them to treat you». (Luke 6:31 NLB). The things entrusted to us were given to us to act mercifully, not to use them hypothetically. Therefore, I would like to advise you to use your youthful naivety and not to let us adults smile at you too quickly. Because in the end, the question that I think the priest and the Levite failed to answer is this. Do we only want to practise closeness to God or not rather God-likeness?
Jesus – more merciful than the Samaritan!
The discussion with the scribe ends with the call to act as the Good Samaritan did. But Jesus Christ went even further. The Samaritan was extremely generous, but this is nothing compared to what Jesus gave for us.
The Samaritan gave wine and oil to treat the wound – Jesus himself shed his blood to heal our wounds. The Samaritan cared and showed great mercy – Jesus gave his life. He spared no expense and spent money on accommodation and care – Jesus himself became poor. Because of us. «You know the great love and grace of Jesus Christ our Lord. Although he was rich, he became poor for your sake, in order to make you rich through his poverty.» (2 Corinthians 8:9 NLB). Jesus Christ himself is very merciful and compassionate towards us. But not only he is merciful, but also God the Father in heaven. Therefore, Jesus calls on the followers of him. «Be merciful as your Father is merciful» (Luke 6:36 NGÜ).
With the Teens Blessing, we come to a point in your life where you are allowed to decide your own religious affiliation. Today you are asked two questions. Can Jesus Christ be your personal Good Samaritan? If so, are you ready not only to talk but also to act?
Possible questions for the small group
Read the Bible text: Luke 10:25–37
- What appeals to you about the parable? Where are there still ambiguities?
- How do you feel about closeness to God vs. likeness to God? Do you notice how your encounter with God affects your life? Where do you notice this? Where do you wish for more change?
- What does the call of Jesus «Now go and do the same» with you?
- Were you surprised yourself by someone you least expected?
- Do you trust teenagers to show charity? Where could you help yourself, or set a good example?
- How do you look at your possessions? Something that benefits you or something that benefits others?
- How do you answer the two questions posed to the teenagers? Can Jesus Christ be your personal Good Samaritan? If so, are you ready not only to talk but also to act?
