Sermon: To The Least of These

Scripture Text: Deuteronomy 15:7-11 and Luke 10:25-37

Quotes for Reflection

Timothy Keller, Ministries of Mercy
What was the point of Jesus’ parable? We could put it this way. He was humbling us with the mercy God requires so we can receive the mercy God offers. This is the gospel. All of us lie helpless and bankrupt, dying on the road. Jesus Christ, who is our natural enemy, who owes us nothing, nevertheless stops and gives us of His spiritual riches and saves us.

J.C. Ryle, The Gospel of Luke 
We should regard the whole world as our parish and the whole race of mankind as our neighbors. We should seek to be the friend of everyone who is oppressed, or neglected, or afflicted, or sick, or in prison, or poor, or an orphan, or a heathen, or a slave, or starving, or dying. We should exhibit such worldwide friendship – no doubt wisely, discreetly, and with good sense – but of such friendship we never need be ashamed. The ungodly may sneer at it as foolish and fanaticism. But we need not mind that. To be friendly to all men in this way is to show something of the mind that was in Christ…the world would be a happier place if there was a more practical Christianity. 

Michael Card, The Gospel of Amazement
If our working definition of the Hebrew word hesed is “when the person from whom I have a right to expect nothing gives me everything,” then the Samaritan clearly exhibits hesed…Hesed is always something you do, and so Jesus closes the interaction with the simple command, “Go and do the same.” Perhaps without realizing it, the scribe’s first question was just answered as well. “What must I do to inherit eternal life?” Jesus’ answer? Do hesed.

Application Questions:

1. Why is self-righteousness such a default-mode for us all? How does self-justification surface in your own life? What impact do you believe it will have and what’s the actual result? 

2. How would you summarize the ‘moral of the story’ in this parable and how does that recognition change your love for God? 

3. What’s one way that the gospel can transform your perception and relationship to the “least of these” this week?