The Road to Jericho

The Road to JerichoText: Luke 10:30-37

In this lesson, we’re going to visit one who was traveling the road to Jericho. As we travel down the road to Jericho, we will learn about loving our neighbor.

Life Is Uncertain

  • We probably immediately think of this as it relates to the victim – he did not go out expecting to be robbed; but it also applies to the priest, Levite, and Samaritan because they did not expect to find this man in need
  • We do not know what will happen in the future (Ecclesiastes 8:7) – something may happen to us that we do not expect (James 4:13-15); also, opportunities may come upon us that we do not expect
  • We must not become so “busy” that we cannot help when opportunities arise (Luke 8:14)
  • We must also prepare in such a way to be able to help when opportunities arise (Ephesians 4:28)

More to Serving God Than Public Worship

  • Jesus described two individuals who saw the victim but refused to help – a priest and a Levite; both were involved in the public worship of God under the Law of Moses (Numbers 18:6-7)
  • Jesus’ point was NOT that these roles were unimportant – in the New Testament, similar roles are important (Ephesians 4:11-12); but that is not the sum total of our service to God (Lk. 10:27-28)
  • Our entire lives must be devoted to Him (Romans 12:1)

Provide Help to Those in Need

  • The New Testament talks about how Christians are to help those in need (Ephesians 4:28; Hebrews 13:2-3; James 1:27) – the Samaritan was an example of doing this
  • This required him to make some sacrifices – his time, his provisions, and his money; we must be willing to do this
  • At the same time, this is to be done within reason – we could do so much to help the needy that we neglect our families, our work, and bankrupt ourselves, but we must not do this; by “doing good” we would end up denying the faith and becoming a burden to others (1 Timothy 5:8; 1 Thessalonians 4:11-12)
  • Be generous and ready to share” (1 Timothy 6:18) – also be good stewards; the Samaritan did this

Do Not Be Limited by Cultural Barriers

  • This parable was given in response to a question Jesus received – “who is my neighbor?” (Luke 10:29); asked by one “wishing to justify himself“; evidently, he had not lived up to this command (Luke 10:28) and was looking for a loophole, a reason to excuse himself from helping someone in need
  • Jesus’ answer had nothing to do with one’s place of residence, cultural similarities, etc. – it was about (1) someone was in need and (2) the Samaritan who found himself with an opportunity to help; culture, race, language, location, etc. did not matter
  • We are to do good to ALL people (Galatians 6:10) – show no partiality (James 2:1, 9); everyone has been made in the image of God (Genesis 1:26-27; Acts 17:26); remember that

Conclusion

  • We never know when an opportunity will arise to help others – we need to be alert, ready, and willing
  • We are to love our neighbor – demonstrate our commitment to loving God