Sermon Notes: Life Be Life’n!

I. Introduction

The popular Good Samaritan Story, Luke 10:30–37, is pregnant with powerful, practical points for Kingdom living.  The focus of today’s message is two-fold: 1)  what to do when you are beaten up and left half dead spiritually, emotionally, financially, or physically; and 2) what The Lord does for folk who are left for dead on the roads of life.

Jesus, who was rejected  Himself, tells this story to Jews. Tellingly, Jesus champions the hero, the Samaritan, as the good guy. The Jews viewed Samaritans as objects of contempt during Jesus’ day.  Isn’t it like Jesus to make the traditional “ bad guy “ the authentic “ good guy“: the despised Samaritan saved the half-dead man, who was likely Jewish, when his fellow Jews passed by!

There are three (3) distinct perspectives in this poignant story:  1) the priest and Levite; 2) the half-dead man; and 3)  the Good Samaritan.  In essence, there are 3 “chairs“.   As you see yourself today, in which chair are you seated?   How does The Lord see you?!

II. Life Can “Life You“ Down(Luke 10:30; Psalm 17:8; Romans 8:37)

1. Where you are now does not determine where you can be tomorrow.
2. What has happened to you does not determine what you will or can do.
3. How life treats you does not determine who you are.
4. Who walks by you when you are in need does not determine your value as a person.

III. Folk Will “Life You” Down Too (Luke 10:31, 32)

1. The road from Jerusalem descends about 3000 feet in 17 miles.  It was a dangerous, winding road. Robbers hid and attacked travelers regularly.
2. Both the priest and the Levite “saw” the half-dead man, but passed him by – on the other side of the road, no less.
3. If the man were in a coma, they could have assumed he was dead. By law, they were not allowed to touch him. (Numbers 5:2)
4. But, if the man was moving – in spite of being beaten unto death – then
   the priest and the Levite should have stopped. Jewish customs prioritized human life over law!

IV. “Life Yourself” Up! (Luke 10:34, 35)

1. Folk will walk past you!  Don’t walk past YOURSELF! Folk may try to erase you. Don’t erase YOURSELF!  Tell yourself: “I count!  I matter! “
2. When folk metastasize your “half deadness, “don’t own it! Let them own it by themselves – without your participation
3. “My best friend is the one who brings out the best in me.” Henry Ford

V. The LORD Life for You (Luke 10:34, 35)

1. The Samaritan bandaged the wounds = an act of mercy, commitment to the wounded man’s well-being. The Lord is merciful, and He is committed to your well-being!
2. The Samaritan poured oil = an act of soothing the injuries. The Lord is committed to soothing your injuries!
3. The Samaritan poured oil and applied wine = an act of cleansing the wounds. The Lord is committed to cleansing your wounds from past trauma.
4. The Samaritan took the man to an inn AND paid for his expenses = an act of protection and provision. The Lord is committed to taking you into His presence. He has already paid your bill

September 14, 2025

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