Charles R. Swindoll: Surprise

But a Samaritan, as he traveled, came where the man was; and when he saw him, he took pity on him. 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 10:33-35

“The hero of the story comes as a surprise. Luke’s choice of word order places emphasis on the word “Samaritan.” A hated Samaritan–of all people!–“saw” exactly what the priest and the Levite had seen, but he responded with compassion. Whereas the other two travelers passed by the other side of the road, the Samaritan “came to him.” Moreover the Lord describes the Samaritan’s care as tender, conscientious, thorough, and sacrificial. He gave the best care of the day, washing the wounds in wine to ward off infection, bathing the raw flesh in soothing olive oil, and bandaging the injuries to protect them. He took the bruised man to safety and cared for him until morning. He even left the innkeeper two days’ wages, charging him to care for the injured man, promising to return and cover any additonal expenses. His grace toward the unknown victim was extraordinary!”

Charles R. Swindoll in Swindoll’s Living Insights: New Testament Commentary on Luke (Carol Stream: Tyndale, 2017) 304.

Let’s surprise people with our generosity in extraordinary ways.

In my message to the church in Malaysia I emphasized from this part of the parable that we must “give a hand up in community” and people really resonated with that idea in discussions afterwards.

Think about it for a few minutes. He did not give the guy a handout which creates dependencies. He gave him a hand up which builds disciples. And he did not do this alone. He engaged others in the process.

When get people like the innkeeper involved in caring for the needy, we invite them to experience the blessing and to minister generously in a manner that is “tender, conscientious, thorough, and sacrificial.”

Surprise everyone with such extraordinary generosity!

“Which of these three do you think was a neighbor to the man who fell into the hands of robbers?” The expert in the law replied, “The one who had mercy on him.” Jesus told him, “Go and do likewise.” Luke 10:36-37

“The lawyer does not expect the conclusion to which the parable leads him; the fact that he cannot bring himself to say “the Samaritan” in answer to Jesus’ question may betray his difficulty in accepting the full ramifications of the parable. But if he won’t acknowledge the neighbor, he at least acknowledges neighborliness, “to show mercy.” Anyone who goes and does likewise fulfills the heart of the parable.”

James R. Edwards in The Gospel according to Luke (PNTC; Grand Rapids: Eerdmans, 2015) 324.

The morning after preaching on this text, my prayer is that listeners grasped the “ramifications” of the parable.

Loving God and loving our neighbor starts with the realization that we are the least likely dispensers of grace and kindness, and even as we have been blessed in that relationship with God, we get to show mercy to the least deserving people. Ponder that, then go and do like the Samaritan. Exhibit neighborliness whether you are a priest, a Levite, or a Samaritan, and rally others to join you like he engaged the innkeeper.

If you want a copy of my slide deck or want to listen to the recording of the message, let me know.

In reply Jesus said: “A man was going down from Jerusalem to Jericho, when he was attacked by robbers. They stripped him of his clothes, beat him and went away, leaving him half dead.” Luke 10:30

“He was obviously a reckless and foolhardy character. People seldom attempted the Jerusalem to Jericho road alone if they were carrying goods or valuables. Seeking safety in numbers, they travelled in convoys or caravans. This man found no one but himself to blame for the plight in which he found himself.”

William Barclay in The Gospel of Luke, Revised Edition (DSBS; Philadelphia: Westminster, 1975) 139.

The more we dig into this parable the more we learn.

Not only have we sugarcoated the Samaritan labeling him good, when in antiquity, he would have been considered bad, we miss the character of the traveler because we don’t know much about the road he was navigating.

It’s almost if Jesus is saying “A guy made a stupid decision and it resulted in his demise.”

What would this stir in his listeners? If we put ourselves in their shoes, it stirs notions like, “The guy got what he deserved.” Or we might reason, “It serves him right to be in that plight, because he made a crazy choice.”

This adds to the lesson for all of us about generosity.

Got wants us to make margin to help people who make stupid decisions. Think about that in light of what Jesus did for you and me. No wonder He wants us to stop and help such people. It is precisely the help He gave to us.

He answered, “The one who showed compassion and mercy to him.” Then Jesus said to him, “Go and constantly do the same.” Luke 10:37

“We may read this passage and think only of the “high cost of caring,” but it is far more costly not to care. The priest and the Levite lost far more by their neglect than the Samaritan did by his concern. They lost the opportunity to become better men and good stewards of what God had given them. They could have been a good influence in a bad world, but they chose to be a bad influence. The Samaritan’s one deed of mercy has inspired sacrificial ministry all over the world.

Never say that such ministry is wasted. God sees to it that no act of loving service in Christ’s name is ever lost. It depends on your outlook. To the thieves, this traveling Jew was a victim to exploit, so they attacked him. To the priest and Levite, he was a nuisance to avoid, so they ignored him. But to the Samaritan, he was a neighbor to love and help, so he took care of him. What Jesus said to the lawyer, He says to us. “God and keep on doing it likewise” (literal translation).”

Warren W. Wiersbe in Be Compassionate (Luke 1-13): Let the World Know That Jesus Cares (The BE Series Commentary; Colorado Springs: David C. Cook, 1988) 138.

This powerful exposition reminds me afresh that crisis situatons are opportunities for us to grow as stewards. But it all depends on our outlook.

If I see them as opportunities, I will go and keep on doing it likewise. If I see them as nuisances, I will go and keep on avoiding such situations.

The highest cost of caring is not to care. The worst possible influence is not to love and help. The time for us to act is now. But that depends on our outlook.

What will your outlook be?

In reply Jesus said: “A man was going down from Jerusalem to Jericho, when he was attacked by robbers. They stripped him of his clothes, beat him and went away, leaving him half dead. A priest happened to be going down the same road, and when he saw the man, he passed by on the other side. So too, a Levite, when he came to the place and saw him, passed by on the other side. But a Samaritan, as he traveled, came where the man was; and when he saw him, he took pity on him. Luke 10:30-33

“The original impact of the parable of the good Samaritan is generally lost today. After centuries of good biblical public relations, our understanding of a Samaritan as a positive figure is almost a cultural given. But in the original setting, to a Jewish scribe a Samaritan would have been the exact opposite, a notorious “bad guy” and traitor. That’s an important emotive element to remember as we proceed through this parable.”

Darrell L Bock in Luke (IVPNTC; Downer’s Grove: IVP, 1994) 197.

As we look more closely at this parable, Bock helps us realize that the Samaritan would have been the last person to have pity and show care in the first century Jewish context.

He was a “bad guy” in that setting. But for Jesus, even a bad guy can find a good place in God’s story. That means there is hope for all of us.

Why must we remember this as we read this text (and as I prepare for my sermon)? Jesus cares not what status we hold in society, like priest or Levite.

He cares not what we say we believe or what accolades that people have given us.He wants us to act when there is a need regardless of what others are doing.

The Samaritan has been labeled by us “good” for about 2,000 years because he acted. How will you be labeled based on your actions?

But a Samaritan who was on a journey came upon him; and when he saw him, he felt compassion. Luke 10:33

“The Samaritan, “who took pity on the man who had fallen among thieves,” is truly a “guardian,” and a closer neighbor than the Law and the Prophets. He showed that he was the man’s neighbor more by deed than by word. According to the passage that says, “Be imitators of me as I too am of Christ,” it is possible for us to imitate Christ and to pity those who “have fallen among thieves.” We can go to them, bind their wounds, pour in oil and wine, put them on our own animals, and bear their burdens. The Son of God encourages us to do things like this. He is speaking not so much to the teacher of the law as to us and to everyone when he says, “Go and do likewise.””

Origen of Alexandria in Homilies on the Gospel of Luke 34.3 (ACCS NT3; Downers Grove: IVP, 2003) 180.

As I think about the Good Samaritan this week, Origen gives us a powerful word picture with the term ‘guardian’ to describe the love and care for neighbor that God desires from us.

If I say ‘guardian’ in my context, thoughts go to someone serving as a legal guardian to look after another person. That’s precisely what Jesus wants to see. Think about it.

He wants us to serve as loving guardians who take responsibility to care for the needy. This includes people who by cultural distinctions may be different from us in ethnicity, social class, or economic status.

God sees all of us the same. We as humans are to have pity or compassion on the broken and hurting around us. We should aid them not by giving a handout but a hand up.

Know anyone who has fallen among thieves in need of your care? 

“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 10:35

“Blessed is the innkeeper who can care for another’s wounds. Blessed is he to whom Jesus says, “Whatever you shall spend over and above, I will repay you.” A good steward is one who also spends over and above.”

Ambrose of Milan in Exposition of the Gospel of Luke 7.82 (ACCS NT3; Downers Grove: IVP, 2003) 181.

This week my thinking will orbit around the Good Samaritan story as I am preparing to preach for a church in Malaysia this Saturday night (Sunday morning there). I’ve never taught on this text.

I’m learning new things. In reading the early fathers thoughts I came across this comment by Ambrose. He notes keenly that our stewardship often requires care for the needy that is over and above.

It is powerful idea to think that God sees our “over and above” giving and will repay us, but it’s a theme we see in the wisdom literature. Ponder this idea related to your own stewardship.

As you reflect, consider these words from wisdom literature. Whoever is kind to the poor lends to the LORD, and he will reward them for what they have done. Proverbs 19:17

Afresh I am learning that we must not see our stewardship as a solo activity. The Samaritan collaborated with the Innkeeper. With whom might you collaborate to give “over and above” to aid the needy?

Blessed are those who fear the Lord, who find great delight in his commands. Their children will be mighty in the land; the generation of the upright will be blessed. Wealth and riches are in their houses, and their righteousness endures forever. Even in darkness light dawns for the upright, for those who are gracious and compassionate and righteous. Good will come to those who are generous and lend freely, who conduct their affairs with justice. Surely the righteous will never be shaken; they will be remembered forever. They will have no fear of bad news; their hearts are steadfast, trusting in the Lord. Their hearts are secure, they will have no fear; in the end they will look in triumph on their foes. They have freely scattered their gifts to the poor, their righteousness endures forever; their horn will be lifted high in honor. The wicked will see and be vexed, they will gnash their teeth and waste away; the longings of the wicked will come to nothing. Psalm 112

“In this Psalm is described the blessedness of the man who feareth the Lord. This blessedness consists in a delight in God’s commandments, in the prosperity of his seed, in the abundance of his house, in comfort in trouble, in his good deeds, honorable memory, and his fearlessness of any evil report. The last verse announces in forcible language the envy of the wicked on witnessing this eminently happy condition of the righteous.”

George Phillips in A Commentary on the Psalms (London: Williams and Norgate, 1872) 331.

In meditating on various Psalms this morning I came across Psalm 112. It seems like the picture of the righteous and generous household. What struck you in reading it? Sit with that idea.

For my part, I notice God supplies abundance and we don’t witness self indulgence in response, but rather service and the scattering of gifts generously. May this be a picture of your home and mine!

As another week begins may God make us into gracious and compassionate and righteous people who remember what to do with the good things God showers on us.

“‘When a foreigner resides among you in your land, do not mistreat them. The foreigner residing among you must be treated as your native-born. Love them as yourself, for you were foreigners in Egypt. I am the Lord your God.” Leviticus 19:33-34

“The great command to love one’s neighbor as oneself is specifically extended here to cover foreign residents… Israel should be particularly sensitive to the resident aliens’ problems since they were once themselves in that situation in Egypt.”

Gordon Wenham in The Book of Leviticus (NICOT; Grand Rapids: Eerdmans, 1979) 273.

The more I think about generosity, the more I believe that it must flow from people who are “particularly sensitive” and I find myself lacking in this area most of the time.

Perhaps that’s why God has me on the anvil doing these Daily Meditations, to pound out the weaknesses in my will and conform me into the image of His Son, our Lord Jesus Christ.

Here, God is forming His people in the Old Testament and wants them to “remember” what it was like to be an alien and foreigner,and to extend help to such folks. What if we did this today?

It would come across as generous hospitality to people who feel lost and displaced. Ask God if there’s someone you need to be “particularly sensitive” to love and serve. Go do it.

Know well the condition of your flocks, and pay attention to your herds; for riches are not forever, nor does a crown endure to all generations. When the grass disappears, the new growth is seen, and the herbs of the mountains are gathered in, the lambs will be for your clothing, and the goats will bring the price of a field, and there will be enough goats’ milk for your food, for the food of your household, and sustenance for your attendants. Proverbs 27:23-27

“This poem consists of an admonition to take good care of one’s flocks and herds… On the one hand, money and status are depreciating, not self-renewing resources. Money vanishes, sometimes flying away unexpectedly and capriciously like a bird.

On the other hand, animals are self-renewing and an increasing source of wealth. If given the grasses that the highlands of Palestine naturally provide, the he-goats provide clothing and money to purchase arable land, and the she-goats provide enough milk to feed the entire household, including the milkmaids.

The list of benefits does not aim to be exhaustive. Flocks are also important for food and for cultic sacrifice. Their skins were used for bottles and fabric, and their horns for vessels or as instruments.”

Bruce Waltke in The Book of Proverbs, Chapters 15-31 (NICOT; Grand Rapids: Eerdmans, 2005) 390.

God’s design for sustainability appears in today’s Scripture. God’s generosity which fuels human sharing also comes into view. The admonition is not to see wealth as an end but a tool for ongoing enjoyment and sharing.

Why not seek money or status, riches or a crown? It provides short-lived satisfaction. Instead, we put to work what God supplies in ways that contribute to flourishing for us and our community.

Notice that God’s provision blesses not just our household but those around us. What’s our role? We must steward with diligence what God has entrusted to us, or in this case, our herds and flocks.

Notice that some of what we have will be consumed, some will serve like working capital to produce more, and some will be shared. But it’s never, ever stored up on earth.

That’s not its purpose. Don’t allow it to be yours! Whatever you hold on to and think you own, owns you. Hear the Word of God. Riches are not forever. Quit holding on to them. Put them to work today!