The Key To Fruitful Ministry. Luke 10:25-37
37) And he said, “The one who showed mercy toward him.” Then Jesus said to him, “Go and do the same.” Luke 10:37
Now let’s answer an important question about the story of the Good Samaritan. Let’s fast forward about six months. Let me set the stage.
The victimized traveler is in Jerusalem wrapping up his final stages of rehabilitation from his life threatening injuries. As is often the case, he is searching for answers about the meaning and purpose of life. He is pondering where to find truth about knowing God.
Then, in the course of a few days, he encounters each of the five characters in his story. How does he react or respond to them?
As fate would have it, the first day he encounters the robbers at a sidewalk cafe. How does he respond to those who viewed as a victim to exploit? That’s easy, he quickly calls the temple guard!
A few hours later the self righteous priest passes by him. When the traveler was in need, the priest viewed him as a problem to avoid and ignored him. I guarantee you, the victimized traveler responds in kind. This time he crosses to the other side of the street to avoid that hypocrite.
Then a few hours later, the Levite had just arrived in Jerusalem for another tour of duty at the temple. Again, their paths cross. How does the victimized traveler respond? The Levite saw him as a tragedy to talk about. This time the traveler saw the Levite as a deceived religious reclusive to avoid.
Suddenly, he stumbles past the Inn Keeper. They may engage is some small talk, but the Keeper is not viewed as a friend. After all, he had merely treated the victimized traveler as a customer to serve.
Then, the next day, the Good Samaritan rides past on his horse. As soon as the victimized traveler sees him, he brakes into a run to catch up with him. After a warm embrace, the victimized traveler starts unpacking his many questions.
The first question was probably; “What makes you so different from other people?” It was quickly followed by, “How can I get what you have?” The door of the travelers heart was wide open to whatever the good Samaritan had to share. Why?
A trusted relationship had been formed. The Samaritan proved he was the real deal. There were no false motives detected in the Samaritan. He was the only one in the story to display the genuine agape love the lawyer had originally talked about. (See Luke 10:27-28)
Do you realize what Jesus accomplished with this short story? He unpacked a complete course on effective and fruitful ministry! When you and I put off our religious garb and step into the sandals of the Good Samaritan, we unleash all the dynamics for fruitful ministry!
Do you really want to reach people with the gospel? Go and show agape love and mercy to people. Become like the Good Samaritan to the people around you and as the door swings wide open tell them about Jesus!
Daily Bible Commentary By Terry Baxter: Cofounder of GoServ Global
37) And he said, “The one who showed mercy toward him.” Then Jesus said to him, “Go and do the same.” Luke 10:37
Now let’s answer an important question about the story of the Good Samaritan. Let’s fast forward about six months. Let me set the stage.
The victimized traveler is in Jerusalem wrapping up his final stages of rehabilitation from his life threatening injuries. As is often the case, he is searching for answers about the meaning and purpose of life. He is pondering where to find truth about knowing God.
Then, in the course of a few days, he encounters each of the five characters in his story. How does he react or respond to them?
As fate would have it, the first day he encounters the robbers at a sidewalk cafe. How does he respond to those who viewed as a victim to exploit? That’s easy, he quickly calls the temple guard!
A few hours later the self righteous priest passes by him. When the traveler was in need, the priest viewed him as a problem to avoid and ignored him. I guarantee you, the victimized traveler responds in kind. This time he crosses to the other side of the street to avoid that hypocrite.
Then a few hours later, the Levite had just arrived in Jerusalem for another tour of duty at the temple. Again, their paths cross. How does the victimized traveler respond? The Levite saw him as a tragedy to talk about. This time the traveler saw the Levite as a deceived religious reclusive to avoid.
Suddenly, he stumbles past the Inn Keeper. They may engage is some small talk, but the Keeper is not viewed as a friend. After all, he had merely treated the victimized traveler as a customer to serve.
Then, the next day, the Good Samaritan rides past on his horse. As soon as the victimized traveler sees him, he brakes into a run to catch up with him. After a warm embrace, the victimized traveler starts unpacking his many questions.
The first question was probably; “What makes you so different from other people?” It was quickly followed by, “How can I get what you have?” The door of the travelers heart was wide open to whatever the good Samaritan had to share. Why?
A trusted relationship had been formed. The Samaritan proved he was the real deal. There were no false motives detected in the Samaritan. He was the only one in the story to display the genuine agape love the lawyer had originally talked about. (See Luke 10:27-28)
Do you realize what Jesus accomplished with this short story? He unpacked a complete course on effective and fruitful ministry! When you and I put off our religious garb and step into the sandals of the Good Samaritan, we unleash all the dynamics for fruitful ministry!
Do you really want to reach people with the gospel? Go and show agape love and mercy to people. Become like the Good Samaritan to the people around you and as the door swings wide open tell them about Jesus!
Daily Bible Commentary By Terry Baxter: Cofounder of GoServ Global
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