Costly Love: It's Necessary & Worth it
(Luke 10:34-35) Part 3 of the parable of the good Samaritan. Jesus shares the HOW of being a good neighbor. It's costly. It's risky. But, it's worth it.
We left off with the religious elite avoiding the injured man. But the Samaritan stopped, saw the man’s need, and felt “pity.” Today, we will see his response.
Alright, today’s dab is sweet but pricey. Here we go…
He went to him and bandaged his wounds, pouring on oil and wine. Then he put the man on his own donkey, brought him to an inn and took care of him.
The next day he took out two denarii and gave them to the innkeeper. “Look after him,” he said, “and when I return, I will reimburse you for any extra expense you may have.”
Luke 10:34-35 (NIV)
The Samaritan was traveling from Jerusalem. By using up his own oil, wine, and money, he sacrificed from his provisions for the journey.
By stopping to care for a Jewish man, he risked social ridicule.
By offering to reimburse the innkeeper’s expenses, the Samaritan risked being taken advantage of (but created an opportunity for trust and blessing).
"Loving our neighbors in the way Christ expects will always be costly. But it’s worth it."
Our culture may see the Samaritan’s actions as unnecessary or exorbitant…
- Wouldn’t taking the injured man to safety be enough?
- Why risk personal loss when he may never see the man again?
- Is this worth it when no one is going to see it and praise his efforts?
- Does Jesus really expect me to love like that?
Loving our neighbors in the way Christ expects will always be costly.
But it’s worth it.
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