This week is ‘Compassion Sunday’, with guest speaker Lisa Leaf. Preaching from Nathan Gordon. Service led by Kuda Osoba.

There is another Baptismal Class, which follows after the service.

Sermon Notes

Our neighbour transcends location – v30-32

• We don’t know how much progress was made on the 18-mile journey from Jerusalem to Jericho. However, en route, he was ambushed and attacked by robbers.

• Sometimes the definition of “neighbour” in today’s context carries the idea of proximity – those who live nearby, those with whom you have a connection and affinity.

• The lesson of the parable teaches us that our neighbour extends way beyond a street, community, and postcode. In God’s eyes, every human being is our neighbour.

Challenge ~ Sometimes it’s easier to lend a helping hand to those within our local area—people we bump into on a regular basis and those we share commonality with. However, God’s love extends to the whole world, and each person is valuable to Him. We can play a part in being kind to even strangers and praying for people all around the world.

Our neighbour shares our humanity – v33

• Sometimes, we fail to see the humanity in each other because of our differences.
• However, the Samaritan looked beyond the surface level and saw the man’s humanity.
• We don’t have to agree with someone’s choices, lifestyles, and beliefs to have compassion for them.”

Challenge ~ Our differences can divide us, causing disdain and even dehumanization in extreme cases. Compassion means recognizing each other’s humanity and seeing everyone as fearfully and wonderfully made in God’s image.

Our neighbour has needs just like us – v34-37

• Acting out of compassion, the Samaritan decided to help the man in need.
•  The man used what he had to assist the needy, demonstrating that our blessings can be shared with others in need.

Challenge ~ Maybe the man realized that it could have been the other way around; he could have been defenceless on the ground, looking for someone to lend a helping hand. We should try our best to treat others as we would like to be treated. No one is an island to themselves; we all need help from time to time.