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The Cost of Caring: what do you expect?
Luke 10: 25-37
A. The Unexpected.
Expect the unexpected and you won't be disappointed.
Life has unexpected twists and turns.
The road can pass through good land but can also pass through the "bad lands" like the Jericho road did.
The focus in this parable of Jesus was not on the robbers but the neighbours - who was going to be one to the victim?
We can be so familiar with this parable (and the others) that we miss the unexpected punch of the story.
[exploration of the main characters and their significance can be made here if felt appropriate]
B. Unexpected Actions.
Acting like a Samaritan - or not?
The point is it was not expected; the Jews would more likely have expected the Samaritan to be the robber. (Samaritans were more than outsiders - modern comparisons can be difficult but maybe something like a refugee and a city businessman).
Proximity brings possibility - neighbours are the people we live near but Jesus moved the goal posts and said neighbours are people we meet who have needs.
Going the extra mile - [Roman soldier?s right as occupying army to demand carrying of his pack for 1 mile; Jesus said go further].
Stopping; checking; caring; rescuing; paying.
Each detail makes the actions of the Samaritan more unexpected.
The Samaritan kept on going but not like the priest or Levite.
C. Unexpected Challenges.
Keep your eyes and your heart open.
You live in a big neighbourhood when you live with God.
Expect the unexpected - (e.g. carry extra cash on you so you have some to give away and be generous with).
Surprises are normal when you travel with Jesus - exciting isn?t it?
Keep choosing to be a neighbour - care for and about people and keep on doing it.
Don?t become weary in doing good (Gal 6:9).
Pay the price - the cost is worth it.
