WEBVTT 00:00:00.900 --> 00:00:11.019 Well, very simply, I have a question and eight words for you this morning. Or rather, a question and four pairs of words. 00:00:12.359 --> 00:00:20.679 ! And I'm quite confident in saying that this is actually one of the most important questions you will ever have heard in your life, or ever will hear. 00:00:20.679 --> 00:00:30.759 That may not have been what you were expecting to come to when you came to church this morning, but I'm just going to talk about this for a while to give you some time to get used to this idea. 00:00:30.839 --> 00:00:36.320 You're going to hear a very important question in just a few seconds. And here it is. 00:00:37.859 --> 00:00:46.280 Do you understand the gospel? Do you understand the message of Christianity, the message of the Bible? 00:00:46.280 --> 00:00:55.340 Maybe you're new to church this morning, and you're thinking, well, I don't even know what it is yet. And that's fine. You're very welcome, and we're happy to tell you. 00:00:56.719 --> 00:01:00.920 But I imagine most of you have been to church at least several times before. 00:01:02.520 --> 00:01:06.040 What do you think you're hearing when you're hearing the Bible preached? 00:01:08.159 --> 00:01:14.240 Do you think you're mainly being given a list of rules? Or stories as a good moral example? 00:01:14.239 --> 00:01:17.099 Or maybe something else? 00:01:20.099 --> 00:01:24.039 Tricky thing is, if you think that's what you're going to hear, that's probably all you'll hear from it. 00:01:26.679 --> 00:01:36.719 Thankfully, there are sections of the Bible, and especially of the Gospels, where Jesus' teaching is designed to check whether or not you get it. 00:01:37.659 --> 00:01:38.919 Whether or not you understand. 00:01:40.419 --> 00:01:42.699 And today's passage is one of those passages. 00:01:42.700 --> 00:01:48.079 So this brings us to the first pair of words I talked about. 00:01:48.200 --> 00:01:49.280 The first of four pairs of words. 00:01:49.740 --> 00:01:51.620 The first two words, look out. 00:01:53.760 --> 00:01:56.120 Look out. We need to be careful with this passage. 00:01:57.400 --> 00:01:59.040 Precisely because it is a parable. 00:02:00.640 --> 00:02:05.579 We might think, well, parables, they're stories, they're nice and easy. 00:02:06.240 --> 00:02:08.420 Parables make everything easier to understand. 00:02:08.419 --> 00:02:13.000 If you sort of grew up in the church and went to kids clubs or Sunday schools, 00:02:13.799 --> 00:02:17.719 your Sunday school teacher would always revert to a parable because it's a story. 00:02:17.719 --> 00:02:22.819 But that's not necessarily what it is. 00:02:23.580 --> 00:02:27.340 Over the years, people have thought of the parables differently. 00:02:28.020 --> 00:02:35.599 Quite famously, St. Augustine looked at this parable and gave a very sort of allegorical interpretation. 00:02:35.599 --> 00:02:39.919 To be fair, he gave other interpretations in other works as well. 00:02:40.699 --> 00:02:42.579 But he's got all kinds of details. 00:02:42.840 --> 00:02:44.939 Like the inn is the church. 00:02:45.299 --> 00:02:47.519 And the innkeeper is the apostle Paul. 00:02:48.099 --> 00:02:49.719 And all kinds of details like that. 00:02:51.180 --> 00:02:53.759 And that seems to be pretty prevalent for a long time. 00:02:53.759 --> 00:02:57.739 But by now, people seem to think this is mainly about moral teaching. 00:02:57.959 --> 00:02:59.659 It's an example story. 00:03:00.219 --> 00:03:02.099 Telling this lawyer how he should live. 00:03:05.560 --> 00:03:11.819 Jesus, however, explains the purpose of the parables in this way in Luke 8, verse 10. 00:03:11.879 --> 00:03:15.959 If you want to just flip over to Luke 8, 10 on 8, 6, 5. 00:03:17.959 --> 00:03:19.979 The purpose of the parables, he says, 00:03:19.979 --> 00:03:23.479 To you it has been given to know the secrets of the kingdom of God. 00:03:24.280 --> 00:03:32.120 But for others they are in parables, so that, seeing they may not see, and hearing they may not understand. 00:03:34.280 --> 00:03:37.639 So that's echoing the words of the call given to the prophet Isaiah. 00:03:39.359 --> 00:03:42.579 And often when you see chunks with several parables stuck together, 00:03:43.000 --> 00:03:45.359 Jesus is repeatedly asking people to listen. 00:03:46.259 --> 00:03:48.039 Those who have ears to hear, hear. 00:03:48.039 --> 00:03:50.099 Listen, listen carefully. 00:03:50.659 --> 00:03:51.539 Think about this. 00:03:54.819 --> 00:03:57.419 Parables are not there to make things easy to understand. 00:03:58.519 --> 00:04:01.000 They are there to divide the crowd. 00:04:02.099 --> 00:04:04.199 Not to get them to fight with each other. 00:04:05.319 --> 00:04:06.819 But it is to split them. 00:04:07.120 --> 00:04:09.780 To understand who are the ones who understand, 00:04:10.120 --> 00:04:11.459 and who are the ones who don't. 00:04:12.459 --> 00:04:15.399 Not the ones who have the special magic code, 00:04:16.039 --> 00:04:17.000 and those who don't. 00:04:17.000 --> 00:04:19.699 Not those who are spiritually superior, 00:04:19.699 --> 00:04:21.579 and those who are inferior. 00:04:22.360 --> 00:04:24.779 But simply those who are willing to listen, 00:04:25.480 --> 00:04:27.519 to what Jesus is saying, 00:04:27.680 --> 00:04:30.120 and willing to understand whatever he's saying. 00:04:32.120 --> 00:04:36.939 One writer very helpfully explains that parables start off like pictures, 00:04:37.699 --> 00:04:39.879 then become like mirrors, 00:04:40.839 --> 00:04:42.160 then become windows. 00:04:42.160 --> 00:04:44.980 Parables start off like pictures, 00:04:45.800 --> 00:04:47.420 then they become like mirrors, 00:04:48.180 --> 00:04:50.000 and then become windows. 00:04:50.400 --> 00:04:53.100 I think that's a very helpful way of looking at it. 00:04:53.180 --> 00:04:55.340 And our job is to look very carefully, 00:04:55.840 --> 00:04:57.160 and to listen very carefully, 00:04:57.780 --> 00:04:59.660 and to let the parable doing this work. 00:04:59.740 --> 00:05:00.780 Look at the picture, 00:05:01.900 --> 00:05:04.020 look at the mirroring work of the parable, 00:05:04.140 --> 00:05:05.720 and then look at the window. 00:05:05.940 --> 00:05:07.260 See what it shows us. 00:05:07.580 --> 00:05:08.720 What can we see through the window? 00:05:08.720 --> 00:05:11.840 So the very simple question is, 00:05:11.920 --> 00:05:12.680 are you listening? 00:05:14.080 --> 00:05:17.420 Are you willing to hear whatever he has to say? 00:05:18.440 --> 00:05:19.340 Well, that's our first two words, 00:05:19.420 --> 00:05:19.840 look at. 00:05:20.060 --> 00:05:20.920 And our next two words, 00:05:21.060 --> 00:05:21.520 look around. 00:05:22.320 --> 00:05:24.340 If we want to understand what the parable is about, 00:05:24.420 --> 00:05:25.940 we need to get a sense of the context. 00:05:26.060 --> 00:05:28.480 We need to look around what's going on here. 00:05:29.440 --> 00:05:30.640 Let's start very easy, 00:05:30.720 --> 00:05:31.400 the top of the page, 00:05:31.399 --> 00:05:32.659 you'll see we're in Luke's Gospel. 00:05:34.339 --> 00:05:36.139 And we're at the beginning of a section, 00:05:37.099 --> 00:05:39.799 a very important section in Luke's Gospel, 00:05:40.039 --> 00:05:42.719 that starts in 951, 00:05:43.199 --> 00:05:45.639 which you'll see just on the same page as our passage. 00:05:46.679 --> 00:05:47.419 And in Luke's Gospel, 00:05:47.560 --> 00:05:49.299 geography is very important. 00:05:49.500 --> 00:05:50.979 Where Jesus is matters. 00:05:51.099 --> 00:05:53.959 He arranges it by where Jesus is. 00:05:53.959 --> 00:05:56.479 And in 951, 00:05:56.579 --> 00:05:58.839 we have a key turning point in Luke's Gospel. 00:06:00.839 --> 00:06:03.259 When the days drew near for him to be taken up, 00:06:03.359 --> 00:06:06.120 he set his face to go to Jerusalem. 00:06:07.279 --> 00:06:09.500 And from that point in Luke, 00:06:10.079 --> 00:06:11.419 he is very definitely, 00:06:11.679 --> 00:06:12.379 very clearly, 00:06:12.560 --> 00:06:13.240 very deliberately, 00:06:13.659 --> 00:06:14.939 heading towards Jerusalem. 00:06:16.179 --> 00:06:18.139 He is on his way to the cross. 00:06:20.079 --> 00:06:21.979 So some people can explain that 00:06:21.980 --> 00:06:23.480 the shadow of the cross is now 00:06:23.480 --> 00:06:25.740 over the rest of the Gospel. 00:06:27.480 --> 00:06:28.960 So from that turning point, 00:06:29.140 --> 00:06:31.040 he has gone through a Samaritan village. 00:06:32.120 --> 00:06:34.379 And he has sent out 72 people in pairs 00:06:34.379 --> 00:06:35.340 on mission trips. 00:06:35.640 --> 00:06:36.700 And they've come back to him. 00:06:37.280 --> 00:06:38.060 And they've told him about 00:06:38.060 --> 00:06:39.360 all the wonderful things that happened. 00:06:40.939 --> 00:06:42.379 And then just before our passage, 00:06:42.379 --> 00:06:44.319 in verse 21, 00:06:45.900 --> 00:06:48.040 Jesus prays a prayer of praise. 00:06:49.900 --> 00:06:51.300 And he's praising God 00:06:51.300 --> 00:06:52.879 because the word has been working 00:06:52.879 --> 00:06:54.259 as it should have been. 00:06:55.280 --> 00:06:57.060 And it's been subverting the order. 00:06:57.319 --> 00:06:58.220 It's been subverting 00:06:58.220 --> 00:07:00.040 the way people expect things to work. 00:07:00.860 --> 00:07:02.040 The wise and understanding 00:07:02.040 --> 00:07:03.220 don't get it. 00:07:04.600 --> 00:07:05.620 But children do. 00:07:07.740 --> 00:07:09.340 It's quite reminiscent of 00:07:09.340 --> 00:07:10.680 Mary's song at the beginning 00:07:10.680 --> 00:07:11.460 of Luke's Gospel. 00:07:12.120 --> 00:07:13.519 Where she is praising God 00:07:13.519 --> 00:07:15.259 in what we call the Magnificat. 00:07:16.420 --> 00:07:17.460 She's celebrating how 00:07:17.460 --> 00:07:19.160 God just gloriously works 00:07:19.160 --> 00:07:20.259 in tockly-turvy ways. 00:07:21.300 --> 00:07:23.280 The rich goes away empty 00:07:23.280 --> 00:07:24.460 and the humble is lifted 00:07:24.460 --> 00:07:27.100 and everything seems upside down 00:07:27.100 --> 00:07:28.139 from what you'd expect. 00:07:29.960 --> 00:07:31.439 And Jesus is praising God 00:07:31.439 --> 00:07:32.379 because that is exactly 00:07:32.379 --> 00:07:33.000 what's happening. 00:07:33.699 --> 00:07:34.620 The wise and understanding 00:07:34.620 --> 00:07:35.480 don't get it 00:07:35.480 --> 00:07:36.759 and the children do. 00:07:38.519 --> 00:07:40.220 Then he blesses his disciples. 00:07:41.680 --> 00:07:42.360 And he tells them 00:07:42.360 --> 00:07:43.100 they are blessed 00:07:43.100 --> 00:07:44.280 because they see, 00:07:44.400 --> 00:07:45.400 they understand. 00:07:45.399 --> 00:07:48.919 verse 23 of chapter 10. 00:07:50.199 --> 00:07:51.539 So Luke is on this theme 00:07:51.539 --> 00:07:52.439 of understanding 00:07:52.439 --> 00:07:54.120 and not understanding. 00:07:54.279 --> 00:07:56.279 He's focused on that idea now. 00:07:56.279 --> 00:07:59.799 And just at that moment, 00:07:59.919 --> 00:08:00.359 behold, 00:08:00.759 --> 00:08:01.079 look, 00:08:01.259 --> 00:08:03.099 a lawyer stood up. 00:08:03.299 --> 00:08:04.319 Not like a solicitor 00:08:04.319 --> 00:08:05.439 or a barrister or anything. 00:08:06.159 --> 00:08:07.919 But probably an expert 00:08:07.919 --> 00:08:08.879 in Jewish law. 00:08:09.819 --> 00:08:11.099 Possibly one of the Pharisees. 00:08:12.459 --> 00:08:13.579 And standing would normally 00:08:13.579 --> 00:08:14.579 be a sign of respect. 00:08:14.959 --> 00:08:16.379 But he's not fooling Luke. 00:08:16.839 --> 00:08:18.319 He's not fooling the Holy Spirit 00:08:18.319 --> 00:08:19.279 inspiring him. 00:08:19.779 --> 00:08:20.399 Verse 25, 00:08:20.399 --> 00:08:22.079 he wants to put him 00:08:22.079 --> 00:08:22.959 to the test. 00:08:24.699 --> 00:08:25.679 And from that point, 00:08:25.779 --> 00:08:26.759 we have two cycles 00:08:26.759 --> 00:08:28.519 where the lawyer 00:08:28.519 --> 00:08:29.379 asks a question, 00:08:30.479 --> 00:08:31.839 then Jesus responds 00:08:31.839 --> 00:08:33.199 by asking a question himself, 00:08:34.059 --> 00:08:35.319 then the lawyer responds 00:08:35.319 --> 00:08:36.259 and Jesus responds. 00:08:37.279 --> 00:08:38.259 And then it happens again. 00:08:38.759 --> 00:08:39.840 Lawyer asks a question, 00:08:40.019 --> 00:08:41.039 Jesus asks a question, 00:08:41.500 --> 00:08:42.179 lawyer responds, 00:08:42.340 --> 00:08:42.959 Jesus responds. 00:08:43.299 --> 00:08:44.799 And the parable is the setup 00:08:44.799 --> 00:08:46.779 for Jesus' second question. 00:08:48.139 --> 00:08:48.860 So that's where we are. 00:08:48.860 --> 00:08:51.379 So in this first cycle, 00:08:51.560 --> 00:08:52.659 this first time around, 00:08:53.680 --> 00:08:54.419 the lawyer's question, 00:08:54.519 --> 00:08:55.159 verse 25, 00:08:55.340 --> 00:08:56.379 what do I do to inherit 00:08:56.379 --> 00:08:57.320 eternal life? 00:08:58.120 --> 00:08:59.639 It was a common enough question, 00:09:00.200 --> 00:09:01.039 although you'd think 00:09:01.039 --> 00:09:02.039 the clue was in 00:09:02.039 --> 00:09:02.899 the word inherit. 00:09:04.080 --> 00:09:05.300 You don't do things to inherit. 00:09:06.139 --> 00:09:07.600 But it was a common enough question 00:09:07.600 --> 00:09:08.600 and that's what he asked. 00:09:09.480 --> 00:09:10.399 And Jesus responds 00:09:10.399 --> 00:09:10.940 with a question, 00:09:11.139 --> 00:09:13.060 what is written in the law? 00:09:13.159 --> 00:09:14.159 How do you read it? 00:09:15.820 --> 00:09:17.100 And so he responds 00:09:17.100 --> 00:09:19.899 in verse 27. 00:09:21.820 --> 00:09:22.700 And you notice 00:09:22.700 --> 00:09:23.420 that his answer 00:09:23.420 --> 00:09:25.060 is exactly spot on. 00:09:26.379 --> 00:09:28.180 This guy is a brilliant theologian. 00:09:29.519 --> 00:09:31.060 He gives the exact same 00:09:31.060 --> 00:09:32.159 summary of the law 00:09:32.159 --> 00:09:33.240 that Jesus gave, 00:09:33.500 --> 00:09:34.820 as we read in Mark earlier. 00:09:35.920 --> 00:09:37.100 That wasn't necessarily 00:09:37.100 --> 00:09:38.500 a common way 00:09:38.500 --> 00:09:39.519 people framed it. 00:09:39.519 --> 00:09:41.000 You have to know the law 00:09:41.000 --> 00:09:41.480 well enough 00:09:41.480 --> 00:09:42.159 to know that you take 00:09:42.159 --> 00:09:44.639 a bit of Deuteronomy 6.5 00:09:44.639 --> 00:09:47.120 and then Leviticus 19.18 00:09:47.120 --> 00:09:49.600 and that's the top commandment. 00:09:50.740 --> 00:09:51.819 Jesus knew that 00:09:51.819 --> 00:09:53.319 and this lawyer knew that. 00:09:54.240 --> 00:09:55.519 This man knew his Bible 00:09:55.519 --> 00:09:56.539 better than anyone 00:09:56.539 --> 00:09:57.460 in this room. 00:09:58.659 --> 00:09:59.539 This man would have 00:09:59.539 --> 00:10:00.799 passed his presbytery exams 00:10:00.799 --> 00:10:01.699 with flying colours. 00:10:01.700 --> 00:10:06.759 You wouldn't have any problem 00:10:06.759 --> 00:10:07.379 with the toughest 00:10:07.379 --> 00:10:08.540 theology test. 00:10:11.080 --> 00:10:12.400 And so Jesus' response 00:10:12.400 --> 00:10:14.180 he responds very simply 00:10:14.180 --> 00:10:16.100 well then there you are 00:10:16.100 --> 00:10:16.900 then go and do that. 00:10:17.500 --> 00:10:18.620 You know what the law says 00:10:18.620 --> 00:10:19.020 do it. 00:10:21.160 --> 00:10:21.980 That's the standard 00:10:21.980 --> 00:10:22.500 you know it 00:10:22.500 --> 00:10:23.100 just do it. 00:10:24.220 --> 00:10:24.980 So then comes 00:10:24.980 --> 00:10:25.720 the second cycle 00:10:25.720 --> 00:10:26.259 with the lawyer 00:10:26.259 --> 00:10:27.060 asking a question 00:10:27.060 --> 00:10:28.700 before Jesus 00:10:28.700 --> 00:10:29.320 asks a question. 00:10:29.320 --> 00:10:31.260 And note that he's gone 00:10:31.260 --> 00:10:32.720 from wanting to test Jesus 00:10:32.720 --> 00:10:33.800 he's gone on the back foot 00:10:33.800 --> 00:10:34.560 and he's needing to 00:10:34.560 --> 00:10:36.020 justify himself now. 00:10:37.440 --> 00:10:38.280 So comes the question 00:10:38.280 --> 00:10:39.440 in verse 29 00:10:39.440 --> 00:10:41.000 and who is my neighbour? 00:10:43.300 --> 00:10:44.420 It reminds me of 00:10:44.420 --> 00:10:45.780 some of you may have seen 00:10:45.780 --> 00:10:46.400 the real thing 00:10:46.400 --> 00:10:47.780 and I saw the film about it 00:10:47.780 --> 00:10:49.500 David Frost 00:10:49.500 --> 00:10:50.200 interviewing 00:10:50.200 --> 00:10:51.379 Richard Nixon 00:10:51.379 --> 00:10:54.700 after the Watergate scandal 00:10:54.700 --> 00:10:56.480 David Frost 00:10:56.480 --> 00:10:57.360 was interviewing him 00:10:57.360 --> 00:10:59.379 and if you watch 00:10:59.379 --> 00:11:00.080 the play 00:11:00.080 --> 00:11:01.220 or the film about it 00:11:01.220 --> 00:11:02.259 people are very frustrated 00:11:02.259 --> 00:11:03.180 with David Frost 00:11:03.180 --> 00:11:03.779 for not asking 00:11:03.779 --> 00:11:04.879 harder questions. 00:11:06.039 --> 00:11:06.940 Nixon had resigned 00:11:06.940 --> 00:11:08.180 after the Watergate scandal 00:11:08.180 --> 00:11:09.060 where seven people 00:11:09.060 --> 00:11:10.019 had gone to break in 00:11:10.019 --> 00:11:10.740 to these apartments 00:11:10.740 --> 00:11:12.840 to steal information. 00:11:14.740 --> 00:11:15.720 But eventually 00:11:15.720 --> 00:11:16.800 Frost is given 00:11:16.800 --> 00:11:18.379 some transcripts 00:11:18.379 --> 00:11:19.519 of other conversations 00:11:19.519 --> 00:11:20.259 that they found 00:11:20.259 --> 00:11:21.500 that people hadn't really 00:11:21.500 --> 00:11:23.539 highlighted before. 00:11:23.539 --> 00:11:25.679 and so Frost 00:11:25.679 --> 00:11:26.759 reads to Nixon 00:11:26.759 --> 00:11:28.179 this key quotation 00:11:28.179 --> 00:11:30.299 this whole investigation 00:11:30.299 --> 00:11:31.360 rests unless 00:11:31.360 --> 00:11:32.399 one of the seven 00:11:32.399 --> 00:11:33.759 begins to talk. 00:11:35.799 --> 00:11:36.559 Well Nixon wasn't 00:11:36.559 --> 00:11:37.279 supposed to know 00:11:37.279 --> 00:11:37.799 about anything 00:11:37.799 --> 00:11:39.120 about these seven 00:11:39.120 --> 00:11:39.959 at this point 00:11:39.959 --> 00:11:41.279 but he's saying 00:11:41.279 --> 00:11:42.139 one of the seven 00:11:42.139 --> 00:11:43.240 and so of course 00:11:43.240 --> 00:11:44.459 what's Nixon's response? 00:11:46.179 --> 00:11:47.480 Now what do we mean 00:11:47.480 --> 00:11:48.219 when we say 00:11:48.219 --> 00:11:49.379 one of the seven? 00:11:50.819 --> 00:11:51.839 He knew exactly 00:11:51.840 --> 00:11:52.519 what we mean 00:11:52.519 --> 00:11:54.220 David Frost 00:11:54.220 --> 00:11:54.800 knew exactly 00:11:54.800 --> 00:11:55.480 what we mean 00:11:55.480 --> 00:11:57.060 and Nixon knew 00:11:57.060 --> 00:11:57.879 that Frost knew 00:11:57.879 --> 00:11:59.200 and Nixon knew 00:11:59.200 --> 00:11:59.639 that everybody 00:11:59.639 --> 00:12:00.580 at home would know 00:12:00.580 --> 00:12:02.540 every knew 00:12:02.540 --> 00:12:03.460 what one of the seven 00:12:03.460 --> 00:12:03.960 meant. 00:12:06.560 --> 00:12:07.680 The lawyer knew 00:12:07.680 --> 00:12:08.680 who his neighbour was 00:12:08.680 --> 00:12:09.840 he didn't need 00:12:09.840 --> 00:12:10.660 to ask this question 00:12:10.660 --> 00:12:12.340 but he's wanting 00:12:12.340 --> 00:12:13.680 to justify himself 00:12:13.680 --> 00:12:16.420 and so it's in response 00:12:16.420 --> 00:12:17.340 to that question 00:12:17.340 --> 00:12:18.600 and who is my neighbour 00:12:18.600 --> 00:12:20.600 that Jesus tells 00:12:20.600 --> 00:12:21.220 this story 00:12:21.220 --> 00:12:22.720 setting up 00:12:22.720 --> 00:12:24.540 his question 00:12:24.540 --> 00:12:25.320 that will respond 00:12:25.320 --> 00:12:26.060 to that 00:12:26.060 --> 00:12:27.519 and so 00:12:27.519 --> 00:12:29.240 we've had two pairs 00:12:29.240 --> 00:12:29.600 of words 00:12:29.600 --> 00:12:30.360 we've got two more 00:12:30.360 --> 00:12:32.560 and these two pairs 00:12:32.560 --> 00:12:33.259 will summarise 00:12:33.259 --> 00:12:34.220 the parable for us 00:12:34.220 --> 00:12:38.139 and the first thing 00:12:38.139 --> 00:12:38.759 that Jesus says 00:12:38.759 --> 00:12:39.480 it's not a nice 00:12:39.480 --> 00:12:40.460 saccharine answer 00:12:40.460 --> 00:12:41.480 but it's firm 00:12:41.480 --> 00:12:42.580 and I think very loving 00:12:42.580 --> 00:12:44.220 he's telling him 00:12:44.220 --> 00:12:44.820 be quiet 00:12:44.820 --> 00:12:46.960 if you want to go 00:12:46.960 --> 00:12:47.580 less polite 00:12:47.580 --> 00:12:48.279 he's telling him 00:12:48.279 --> 00:12:48.860 to shut up 00:12:48.860 --> 00:12:51.620 part of what 00:12:51.620 --> 00:12:52.899 this story does 00:12:52.899 --> 00:12:53.960 is shock him 00:12:53.960 --> 00:12:54.800 into silence 00:12:54.800 --> 00:12:57.200 so let me explain 00:12:57.200 --> 00:12:59.980 many people 00:12:59.980 --> 00:13:00.500 these days 00:13:00.500 --> 00:13:01.360 probably as part 00:13:01.360 --> 00:13:02.320 of a reaction 00:13:02.320 --> 00:13:03.379 against that 00:13:03.379 --> 00:13:04.539 Augustine interpretation 00:13:04.539 --> 00:13:05.200 that I mentioned 00:13:05.200 --> 00:13:06.659 with the innkeeper 00:13:06.659 --> 00:13:07.259 of St. Paul 00:13:07.259 --> 00:13:07.800 and all of that 00:13:07.800 --> 00:13:09.960 they want to see 00:13:09.960 --> 00:13:10.560 this story 00:13:10.560 --> 00:13:11.120 as sort of a 00:13:11.120 --> 00:13:11.840 moral example 00:13:11.840 --> 00:13:13.620 so 00:13:13.620 --> 00:13:15.279 he tells a story 00:13:15.279 --> 00:13:16.139 and then the answer 00:13:16.139 --> 00:13:17.100 is so go and be 00:13:17.100 --> 00:13:18.039 like this Samaritan 00:13:18.039 --> 00:13:18.939 nice and simple 00:13:18.939 --> 00:13:20.539 after all 00:13:20.539 --> 00:13:21.240 he does tell him 00:13:21.240 --> 00:13:21.699 to do that 00:13:21.699 --> 00:13:22.559 in verse 37 00:13:22.559 --> 00:13:25.059 but there are 00:13:25.059 --> 00:13:25.740 problems with that 00:13:25.740 --> 00:13:26.519 it's not quite 00:13:26.519 --> 00:13:27.259 that simple 00:13:27.259 --> 00:13:29.500 parables aren't 00:13:29.500 --> 00:13:30.000 there to make 00:13:30.000 --> 00:13:30.460 it easy 00:13:30.460 --> 00:13:33.220 if it was a 00:13:33.220 --> 00:13:34.039 moral story 00:13:34.039 --> 00:13:35.159 for the lawyer 00:13:35.159 --> 00:13:36.220 just to follow 00:13:36.220 --> 00:13:36.879 the example 00:13:36.879 --> 00:13:37.639 of the Samaritan 00:13:37.639 --> 00:13:38.139 surely 00:13:38.139 --> 00:13:39.240 the Samaritan 00:13:39.240 --> 00:13:39.659 would have been 00:13:39.659 --> 00:13:40.159 the victim 00:13:40.159 --> 00:13:42.120 and it would have 00:13:42.120 --> 00:13:42.860 been a priest 00:13:42.860 --> 00:13:43.360 came along 00:13:43.360 --> 00:13:44.019 and didn't help him 00:13:44.019 --> 00:13:44.379 a Levite 00:13:44.379 --> 00:13:44.759 came along 00:13:44.759 --> 00:13:46.279 but then an Israelite 00:13:46.279 --> 00:13:47.399 a teacher of the law 00:13:47.399 --> 00:13:47.960 came along 00:13:47.960 --> 00:13:48.840 and he saved 00:13:48.840 --> 00:13:49.419 the Samaritan 00:13:49.419 --> 00:13:50.460 so you be like 00:13:50.460 --> 00:13:51.279 the teacher of the law 00:13:51.279 --> 00:13:52.340 that saved the Samaritan 00:13:52.340 --> 00:13:55.659 but you notice 00:13:55.659 --> 00:13:56.179 that Jesus 00:13:56.179 --> 00:13:57.100 blocks him off 00:13:57.100 --> 00:13:57.899 from identifying 00:13:57.899 --> 00:13:58.960 himself as the hero 00:13:58.960 --> 00:13:59.899 at every point 00:13:59.899 --> 00:14:02.279 so 00:14:02.279 --> 00:14:03.080 he would hear 00:14:03.080 --> 00:14:03.580 this parable 00:14:03.580 --> 00:14:04.179 and he knows 00:14:04.179 --> 00:14:05.059 that this is 00:14:05.059 --> 00:14:06.179 a story 00:14:06.179 --> 00:14:07.039 for him to identify 00:14:07.039 --> 00:14:07.419 with 00:14:07.419 --> 00:14:10.720 and a common way 00:14:10.720 --> 00:14:12.439 in this period 00:14:12.439 --> 00:14:12.879 of time 00:14:12.879 --> 00:14:13.639 to describe 00:14:13.639 --> 00:14:14.519 all the people 00:14:14.519 --> 00:14:15.019 of Israel 00:14:15.019 --> 00:14:15.740 to say 00:14:15.740 --> 00:14:16.379 the priests 00:14:16.379 --> 00:14:16.960 the Levites 00:14:16.960 --> 00:14:17.319 and all 00:14:17.319 --> 00:14:17.639 the people 00:14:17.639 --> 00:14:18.080 of Israel 00:14:18.080 --> 00:14:18.699 or 00:14:18.699 --> 00:14:19.340 the priests 00:14:19.340 --> 00:14:19.819 the Levites 00:14:19.819 --> 00:14:20.340 and the Israelites 00:14:20.340 --> 00:14:21.679 and now that 00:14:21.679 --> 00:14:23.179 the kingdom 00:14:23.179 --> 00:14:23.779 had kind of 00:14:23.779 --> 00:14:24.399 deteriorated 00:14:24.399 --> 00:14:25.159 it wasn't about 00:14:25.159 --> 00:14:25.960 the king so much 00:14:25.960 --> 00:14:26.159 it was about 00:14:26.159 --> 00:14:26.720 the priest 00:14:26.720 --> 00:14:27.319 and the temple 00:14:27.319 --> 00:14:28.519 and so they said 00:14:28.519 --> 00:14:29.039 the priests 00:14:29.039 --> 00:14:29.519 the Levites 00:14:29.519 --> 00:14:30.059 and the Israelites 00:14:30.059 --> 00:14:31.720 and so 00:14:31.720 --> 00:14:32.500 he's expected 00:14:32.500 --> 00:14:33.259 to hear Israelites 00:14:33.259 --> 00:14:34.279 that he can identify 00:14:34.279 --> 00:14:34.659 with 00:14:34.659 --> 00:14:36.519 so the priest 00:14:36.519 --> 00:14:37.100 comes along 00:14:37.100 --> 00:14:38.299 and the teacher 00:14:38.299 --> 00:14:38.580 of the law 00:14:38.580 --> 00:14:39.059 knows he's not 00:14:39.059 --> 00:14:39.500 a priest 00:14:39.500 --> 00:14:40.740 so he knows 00:14:40.740 --> 00:14:41.259 that's not meant 00:14:41.259 --> 00:14:41.720 to be him 00:14:41.720 --> 00:14:43.620 and then a Levite 00:14:43.620 --> 00:14:44.220 comes along 00:14:44.220 --> 00:14:44.700 and he knows 00:14:44.700 --> 00:14:45.180 that's not meant 00:14:45.180 --> 00:14:45.879 to be him either 00:14:45.879 --> 00:14:47.720 so surely 00:14:47.720 --> 00:14:48.560 the next one 00:14:48.560 --> 00:14:49.139 the Israelites 00:14:49.139 --> 00:14:50.759 and he'll be able 00:14:50.759 --> 00:14:51.200 to identify 00:14:51.200 --> 00:14:52.100 with the Israelites 00:14:52.100 --> 00:14:54.540 but a Samaritan 00:14:54.540 --> 00:14:55.220 comes along 00:14:55.220 --> 00:14:57.399 there is no way 00:14:57.399 --> 00:14:57.779 on earth 00:14:57.779 --> 00:14:58.139 he's going to 00:14:58.139 --> 00:14:58.899 identify with 00:14:58.899 --> 00:14:59.879 a Samaritan 00:14:59.879 --> 00:15:01.639 he's not going 00:15:01.639 --> 00:15:02.040 to think that 00:15:02.040 --> 00:15:02.399 he's meant 00:15:02.399 --> 00:15:03.220 to be the Samaritan 00:15:03.220 --> 00:15:05.540 Israelites 00:15:05.540 --> 00:15:06.440 and Samaritans 00:15:06.440 --> 00:15:07.660 hated each other 00:15:07.659 --> 00:15:11.139 and Jesus 00:15:11.139 --> 00:15:11.740 has succeeded 00:15:11.740 --> 00:15:12.439 in blocking him 00:15:12.439 --> 00:15:13.219 from seeing himself 00:15:13.219 --> 00:15:13.959 in the Samaritans 00:15:13.959 --> 00:15:15.139 you see in verse 37 00:15:15.139 --> 00:15:16.339 he can't even 00:15:16.339 --> 00:15:17.120 bring himself 00:15:17.120 --> 00:15:18.740 to give the simplest 00:15:18.740 --> 00:15:19.240 answer 00:15:19.240 --> 00:15:19.839 which would be 00:15:19.839 --> 00:15:20.939 the Samaritan 00:15:20.939 --> 00:15:22.600 he just says 00:15:22.600 --> 00:15:23.480 the one 00:15:23.480 --> 00:15:24.699 who showed mercy 00:15:24.699 --> 00:15:27.159 he knows 00:15:27.159 --> 00:15:28.039 what the character's 00:15:28.039 --> 00:15:28.419 name is 00:15:28.419 --> 00:15:28.919 the character's 00:15:28.919 --> 00:15:29.199 name is 00:15:29.199 --> 00:15:29.699 the Samaritan 00:15:29.699 --> 00:15:30.299 but he can't 00:15:30.299 --> 00:15:30.839 bring himself 00:15:30.839 --> 00:15:31.539 to say it 00:15:31.539 --> 00:15:34.759 and you'd think 00:15:34.759 --> 00:15:35.079 as well 00:15:35.079 --> 00:15:35.500 wouldn't you 00:15:35.500 --> 00:15:36.240 that the story 00:15:36.240 --> 00:15:36.679 would have run 00:15:36.679 --> 00:15:37.319 a little bell 00:15:37.320 --> 00:15:38.480 from that story 00:15:38.480 --> 00:15:39.140 in Chronicles 00:15:39.140 --> 00:15:39.720 maybe we don't 00:15:39.720 --> 00:15:40.280 know that as well 00:15:40.280 --> 00:15:40.820 but he would have 00:15:40.820 --> 00:15:41.420 known that really 00:15:41.420 --> 00:15:41.740 well 00:15:41.740 --> 00:15:42.680 he knows that 00:15:42.680 --> 00:15:43.379 Samaritans 00:15:43.379 --> 00:15:44.400 have helped 00:15:44.400 --> 00:15:45.060 Israel in the 00:15:45.060 --> 00:15:45.520 past 00:15:45.520 --> 00:15:47.480 so it shouldn't 00:15:47.480 --> 00:15:48.220 be that crazy 00:15:48.220 --> 00:15:48.680 an idea 00:15:48.680 --> 00:15:52.600 and then look 00:15:52.600 --> 00:15:53.000 at the two 00:15:53.000 --> 00:15:53.760 questions 00:15:53.760 --> 00:15:55.420 verse 29 00:15:55.420 --> 00:15:56.320 who is my 00:15:56.320 --> 00:15:56.740 neighbour 00:15:56.740 --> 00:15:58.940 well Jesus 00:15:58.940 --> 00:15:59.760 is just echoing 00:15:59.760 --> 00:16:00.260 that question 00:16:00.260 --> 00:16:01.340 who turned out 00:16:01.340 --> 00:16:02.020 to be this 00:16:02.020 --> 00:16:03.120 man's neighbour 00:16:03.120 --> 00:16:04.880 well who is 00:16:04.880 --> 00:16:05.380 this man 00:16:05.380 --> 00:16:06.680 it's the man 00:16:06.679 --> 00:16:07.379 on the floor 00:16:07.379 --> 00:16:12.000 as this picture 00:16:12.000 --> 00:16:12.839 turns into 00:16:12.839 --> 00:16:13.299 a mirror 00:16:13.299 --> 00:16:15.719 and the man 00:16:15.719 --> 00:16:16.339 sees who 00:16:16.339 --> 00:16:16.919 he is meant 00:16:16.919 --> 00:16:17.259 to be in 00:16:17.259 --> 00:16:17.659 this story 00:16:17.659 --> 00:16:18.139 he sees 00:16:18.139 --> 00:16:19.120 he is on 00:16:19.120 --> 00:16:19.639 the floor 00:16:19.639 --> 00:16:21.039 half dead 00:16:21.039 --> 00:16:22.419 beaten up 00:16:22.419 --> 00:16:22.959 he is not 00:16:22.959 --> 00:16:23.459 the hero 00:16:23.459 --> 00:16:26.120 he's a mess 00:16:26.120 --> 00:16:30.719 the man's 00:16:30.719 --> 00:16:31.059 question 00:16:31.059 --> 00:16:31.679 exposed his 00:16:31.679 --> 00:16:31.939 heart 00:16:31.939 --> 00:16:32.319 you see 00:16:32.320 --> 00:16:34.460 you can't 00:16:34.460 --> 00:16:34.940 really expect 00:16:34.940 --> 00:16:35.180 me to 00:16:35.180 --> 00:16:35.620 love everyone 00:16:35.620 --> 00:16:36.420 can you 00:16:36.420 --> 00:16:39.080 surely there 00:16:39.080 --> 00:16:39.480 are limits 00:16:39.480 --> 00:16:39.760 I mean 00:16:39.760 --> 00:16:40.520 some people 00:16:40.520 --> 00:16:40.920 frankly 00:16:40.920 --> 00:16:41.400 they don't 00:16:41.400 --> 00:16:41.940 deserve my 00:16:41.940 --> 00:16:42.260 love 00:16:42.260 --> 00:16:44.980 some people 00:16:44.980 --> 00:16:45.460 aren't worthy 00:16:45.460 --> 00:16:45.700 I mean 00:16:45.700 --> 00:16:46.200 some people 00:16:46.200 --> 00:16:46.740 are Samaritan 00:16:46.740 --> 00:16:47.320 scum after 00:16:47.320 --> 00:16:47.680 all 00:16:47.680 --> 00:16:50.220 I'm better 00:16:50.220 --> 00:16:50.460 than 00:16:50.460 --> 00:16:51.360 not everyone 00:16:51.360 --> 00:16:52.200 deserves my 00:16:52.200 --> 00:16:52.620 love 00:16:52.620 --> 00:16:55.279 and Jesus 00:16:55.279 --> 00:16:55.700 is saying 00:16:55.700 --> 00:16:56.060 you want to 00:16:56.060 --> 00:16:56.320 know what 00:16:56.320 --> 00:16:56.639 you bring 00:16:56.639 --> 00:16:57.200 to the table 00:16:57.200 --> 00:16:57.600 in terms 00:16:57.600 --> 00:16:58.120 of loving 00:16:58.120 --> 00:16:58.679 people 00:16:58.679 --> 00:17:00.580 well let me 00:17:00.580 --> 00:17:00.940 give you a 00:17:00.940 --> 00:17:01.299 picture 00:17:01.299 --> 00:17:02.500 of you 00:17:02.500 --> 00:17:03.120 and everything 00:17:03.120 --> 00:17:03.779 you do 00:17:03.779 --> 00:17:04.500 to bless 00:17:04.500 --> 00:17:05.140 and love 00:17:05.140 --> 00:17:05.700 your neighbours 00:17:05.700 --> 00:17:06.660 you look 00:17:06.660 --> 00:17:07.000 like 00:17:07.000 --> 00:17:08.119 a man 00:17:08.119 --> 00:17:08.900 half dead 00:17:08.900 --> 00:17:09.779 beaten up 00:17:09.779 --> 00:17:11.420 bloodied 00:17:11.420 --> 00:17:11.900 bruised 00:17:11.900 --> 00:17:12.339 useless 00:17:12.339 --> 00:17:15.740 that's right 00:17:15.740 --> 00:17:16.240 that's what 00:17:16.240 --> 00:17:16.599 you look 00:17:16.599 --> 00:17:16.920 like 00:17:16.920 --> 00:17:19.579 that's what 00:17:19.579 --> 00:17:20.440 your apparent 00:17:20.440 --> 00:17:21.380 obedience to 00:17:21.380 --> 00:17:21.720 the law 00:17:21.720 --> 00:17:22.400 looks like 00:17:22.400 --> 00:17:23.700 that's how 00:17:23.700 --> 00:17:24.180 impressive 00:17:24.180 --> 00:17:25.660 you are 00:17:25.660 --> 00:17:26.180 that's what 00:17:26.180 --> 00:17:26.500 he's telling 00:17:26.500 --> 00:17:26.799 him 00:17:26.799 --> 00:17:29.140 so you can 00:17:29.140 --> 00:17:29.539 get rid of 00:17:29.539 --> 00:17:29.819 all these 00:17:29.819 --> 00:17:30.500 delusions of 00:17:30.500 --> 00:17:30.920 you being 00:17:30.920 --> 00:17:32.000 really obedient 00:17:32.000 --> 00:17:32.559 and really 00:17:32.559 --> 00:17:32.940 brilliant 00:17:32.940 --> 00:17:34.860 and just 00:17:34.860 --> 00:17:35.380 be quiet 00:17:35.380 --> 00:17:39.779 fortunately 00:17:39.779 --> 00:17:40.500 though that's 00:17:40.500 --> 00:17:40.940 just where 00:17:40.940 --> 00:17:41.460 the story 00:17:41.460 --> 00:17:42.880 begins 00:17:42.880 --> 00:17:45.140 because along 00:17:45.140 --> 00:17:45.539 comes a 00:17:45.539 --> 00:17:46.019 Samaritan 00:17:46.019 --> 00:17:48.700 and for the 00:17:48.700 --> 00:17:49.360 longest time 00:17:49.360 --> 00:17:50.160 I mean it's 00:17:50.160 --> 00:17:50.440 the Sunday 00:17:50.440 --> 00:17:50.940 school cliche 00:17:50.940 --> 00:17:51.400 isn't it 00:17:51.400 --> 00:17:51.740 they took 00:17:51.740 --> 00:17:52.380 the Samaritan 00:17:52.380 --> 00:17:52.880 to be 00:17:52.880 --> 00:17:53.360 Jesus 00:17:53.360 --> 00:17:54.560 following 00:17:54.560 --> 00:17:55.200 Augustine 00:17:55.200 --> 00:17:57.580 Augustine 00:17:57.580 --> 00:17:57.840 sort of 00:17:57.840 --> 00:17:58.060 made it 00:17:58.060 --> 00:17:58.600 an allegory 00:17:58.600 --> 00:17:59.160 where the 00:17:59.160 --> 00:17:59.780 man is 00:17:59.780 --> 00:18:00.180 Adam 00:18:00.180 --> 00:18:02.140 fallen Adam 00:18:02.140 --> 00:18:02.560 and Jesus 00:18:02.560 --> 00:18:03.080 comes and 00:18:03.080 --> 00:18:03.740 saves Adam 00:18:03.740 --> 00:18:05.259 and so 00:18:05.259 --> 00:18:05.680 people wanted 00:18:05.680 --> 00:18:06.220 to veer away 00:18:06.220 --> 00:18:06.640 from that 00:18:06.640 --> 00:18:07.120 because they 00:18:07.120 --> 00:18:07.440 saw the 00:18:07.440 --> 00:18:07.759 weaknesses 00:18:07.759 --> 00:18:08.240 in it 00:18:08.240 --> 00:18:10.600 but 00:18:10.600 --> 00:18:11.640 let's not 00:18:11.640 --> 00:18:11.980 throw the 00:18:11.980 --> 00:18:12.440 baby out 00:18:12.440 --> 00:18:12.680 with the 00:18:12.680 --> 00:18:13.240 bath water 00:18:13.240 --> 00:18:13.940 because Luke 00:18:13.940 --> 00:18:14.340 has put 00:18:14.340 --> 00:18:15.180 clear indicators 00:18:15.180 --> 00:18:15.720 in here 00:18:15.720 --> 00:18:16.820 to show 00:18:16.820 --> 00:18:17.120 who it 00:18:17.120 --> 00:18:17.480 is 00:18:17.480 --> 00:18:20.039 now Jesus 00:18:20.039 --> 00:18:20.660 obviously 00:18:20.660 --> 00:18:21.360 isn't literally 00:18:21.360 --> 00:18:22.180 from Samaria 00:18:22.180 --> 00:18:24.279 but as I 00:18:24.279 --> 00:18:24.620 mentioned 00:18:24.620 --> 00:18:25.440 where Jesus 00:18:25.440 --> 00:18:26.420 is matters 00:18:26.420 --> 00:18:27.000 in Luke's 00:18:27.000 --> 00:18:27.299 gospel 00:18:27.299 --> 00:18:28.299 and what's 00:18:28.299 --> 00:18:28.740 Jesus doing 00:18:28.740 --> 00:18:29.079 he is 00:18:29.079 --> 00:18:29.460 travelling 00:18:29.460 --> 00:18:31.460 from Samaria 00:18:31.460 --> 00:18:32.319 to Jerusalem 00:18:32.319 --> 00:18:36.079 he's 00:18:36.079 --> 00:18:37.599 figuratively 00:18:37.599 --> 00:18:38.519 a Samaritan 00:18:38.519 --> 00:18:40.539 not literally 00:18:40.539 --> 00:18:41.880 just like 00:18:41.880 --> 00:18:42.559 Jesus is not 00:18:42.559 --> 00:18:43.500 literally a thief 00:18:43.500 --> 00:18:44.059 in the night 00:18:44.059 --> 00:18:45.039 but he does 00:18:45.039 --> 00:18:45.679 compare himself 00:18:45.679 --> 00:18:46.159 with a thief 00:18:46.159 --> 00:18:46.519 in the night 00:18:46.519 --> 00:18:47.039 sometimes 00:18:47.039 --> 00:18:49.460 but he is 00:18:49.460 --> 00:18:49.819 the one 00:18:49.819 --> 00:18:50.220 who is 00:18:50.220 --> 00:18:50.679 travelling 00:18:50.679 --> 00:18:52.259 from Samaria 00:18:52.259 --> 00:18:53.039 to Jerusalem 00:18:53.039 --> 00:18:54.960 and so 00:18:54.960 --> 00:18:55.659 our final pair 00:18:55.659 --> 00:18:56.139 of words 00:18:56.139 --> 00:18:56.500 the lawyer 00:18:56.500 --> 00:18:57.159 asks 00:18:57.159 --> 00:18:58.179 who is 00:18:58.179 --> 00:18:58.759 my neighbour 00:18:58.759 --> 00:19:00.559 Jesus 00:19:00.559 --> 00:19:00.899 first of all 00:19:00.899 --> 00:19:01.639 just be quiet 00:19:01.639 --> 00:19:03.539 don't think 00:19:03.539 --> 00:19:04.200 too much 00:19:04.200 --> 00:19:04.720 of what you 00:19:04.720 --> 00:19:05.039 can do 00:19:05.039 --> 00:19:05.419 to love 00:19:05.419 --> 00:19:05.859 people 00:19:05.859 --> 00:19:08.079 but here's 00:19:08.079 --> 00:19:08.480 the second 00:19:08.480 --> 00:19:08.960 answer 00:19:08.960 --> 00:19:09.980 who's my neighbour 00:19:09.980 --> 00:19:11.119 I am 00:19:11.119 --> 00:19:14.099 that's Jesus 00:19:14.099 --> 00:19:14.359 answer 00:19:14.359 --> 00:19:14.959 who's my neighbour 00:19:14.959 --> 00:19:15.699 I'm your neighbour 00:19:15.699 --> 00:19:17.699 and I've come 00:19:17.699 --> 00:19:18.279 to get you 00:19:18.279 --> 00:19:20.759 I have come 00:19:20.759 --> 00:19:21.539 to be the neighbour 00:19:21.539 --> 00:19:22.039 that you 00:19:22.039 --> 00:19:23.299 desperately need 00:19:23.299 --> 00:19:25.639 even though 00:19:25.639 --> 00:19:26.279 you think of me 00:19:26.279 --> 00:19:26.779 as an enemy 00:19:26.779 --> 00:19:29.139 I've come 00:19:29.139 --> 00:19:29.739 as a neighbour 00:19:29.739 --> 00:19:30.459 to fulfil 00:19:30.459 --> 00:19:31.439 the law 00:19:31.439 --> 00:19:32.239 for people 00:19:32.239 --> 00:19:32.839 like you 00:19:32.839 --> 00:19:35.879 I want you 00:19:35.879 --> 00:19:36.500 to know 00:19:36.500 --> 00:19:38.259 who your neighbour 00:19:38.259 --> 00:19:38.539 is 00:19:38.539 --> 00:19:39.099 it's me 00:19:39.099 --> 00:19:39.819 and I'm coming 00:19:39.819 --> 00:19:43.259 he's saying 00:19:43.259 --> 00:19:43.700 this parable 00:19:43.700 --> 00:19:44.059 of course 00:19:44.059 --> 00:19:44.779 as he knows 00:19:44.779 --> 00:19:45.539 he's on the way 00:19:45.539 --> 00:19:46.279 to Jerusalem 00:19:46.279 --> 00:19:47.419 where he will 00:19:47.419 --> 00:19:47.960 be beaten 00:19:47.960 --> 00:19:49.720 and bruised 00:19:49.720 --> 00:19:51.139 and not just 00:19:51.139 --> 00:19:51.559 half dead 00:19:51.559 --> 00:19:52.279 but dead 00:19:52.279 --> 00:19:55.599 and he's coming 00:19:55.599 --> 00:19:56.500 with oil of comfort 00:19:56.500 --> 00:19:57.559 to ease our pain 00:19:57.559 --> 00:19:59.720 he's coming 00:19:59.720 --> 00:20:01.099 with wine 00:20:01.099 --> 00:20:02.139 to wash our filth 00:20:02.139 --> 00:20:03.700 he is coming 00:20:03.700 --> 00:20:04.839 to carry us home 00:20:04.839 --> 00:20:06.859 to help us 00:20:06.859 --> 00:20:08.799 all at his own cost 00:20:08.799 --> 00:20:11.759 and so this is 00:20:11.759 --> 00:20:12.379 where the mirror 00:20:12.379 --> 00:20:14.180 becomes a window 00:20:14.180 --> 00:20:17.200 because now 00:20:17.200 --> 00:20:18.319 through this window 00:20:18.319 --> 00:20:20.419 we can see 00:20:20.419 --> 00:20:21.480 what the good news 00:20:21.480 --> 00:20:22.000 of Jesus 00:20:22.000 --> 00:20:23.159 means 00:20:23.159 --> 00:20:26.740 and he's saying 00:20:26.740 --> 00:20:27.839 this to a proud 00:20:27.839 --> 00:20:28.839 self-righteous 00:20:28.839 --> 00:20:29.180 lawyer 00:20:29.180 --> 00:20:31.940 he's preaching 00:20:31.940 --> 00:20:32.579 salvation 00:20:32.579 --> 00:20:34.180 and good news 00:20:34.180 --> 00:20:35.960 to this proud 00:20:35.960 --> 00:20:36.740 religious man 00:20:36.740 --> 00:20:39.400 is that not 00:20:39.400 --> 00:20:40.940 more mercy 00:20:40.940 --> 00:20:41.319 than you can 00:20:41.319 --> 00:20:41.640 handle 00:20:41.640 --> 00:20:44.819 it's more grace 00:20:44.819 --> 00:20:45.420 than I can get 00:20:45.420 --> 00:20:46.120 my head around 00:20:46.120 --> 00:20:48.359 we read earlier 00:20:48.359 --> 00:20:49.299 in our assurance 00:20:49.299 --> 00:20:49.779 of pardon 00:20:49.779 --> 00:20:51.279 I'll just read a bit 00:20:51.279 --> 00:20:52.359 earlier from that 00:20:52.359 --> 00:20:53.240 Romans 5 00:20:53.240 --> 00:20:54.799 one will scarcely 00:20:54.799 --> 00:20:55.799 die for a righteous 00:20:55.799 --> 00:20:56.460 person 00:20:56.460 --> 00:20:57.599 though for a good 00:20:57.599 --> 00:20:58.400 person one would 00:20:58.400 --> 00:20:59.039 dare to die 00:20:59.039 --> 00:21:00.500 but God shows 00:21:00.500 --> 00:21:01.240 his love for us 00:21:01.240 --> 00:21:02.099 in that while we were 00:21:02.099 --> 00:21:03.160 yet sinners 00:21:03.160 --> 00:21:05.839 Christ died for us 00:21:05.839 --> 00:21:07.939 so it's hardly 00:21:07.939 --> 00:21:08.699 surprising that by 00:21:08.699 --> 00:21:09.259 the end of 00:21:09.259 --> 00:21:10.480 chapter 11 00:21:10.480 --> 00:21:11.179 in Romans 00:21:11.179 --> 00:21:12.799 Paul just says 00:21:12.799 --> 00:21:13.839 oh the depth 00:21:13.839 --> 00:21:15.259 of the riches 00:21:15.259 --> 00:21:16.699 and wisdom 00:21:16.699 --> 00:21:17.199 and knowledge 00:21:17.199 --> 00:21:17.599 of God 00:21:17.599 --> 00:21:20.199 one minister 00:21:20.199 --> 00:21:20.519 I know 00:21:20.519 --> 00:21:20.899 said that 00:21:20.899 --> 00:21:21.319 if you had to 00:21:21.319 --> 00:21:22.019 summarise the Bible 00:21:22.019 --> 00:21:22.819 in one word 00:21:22.819 --> 00:21:23.879 it would be that 00:21:23.879 --> 00:21:24.159 word 00:21:24.159 --> 00:21:24.980 oh 00:21:24.980 --> 00:21:28.259 that's when you 00:21:28.259 --> 00:21:29.199 know that you 00:21:29.199 --> 00:21:29.740 get it 00:21:29.740 --> 00:21:31.079 when all you can 00:21:31.079 --> 00:21:31.659 say is 00:21:31.659 --> 00:21:33.259 oh 00:21:33.259 --> 00:21:37.539 and it's at 00:21:37.539 --> 00:21:38.039 that point 00:21:38.039 --> 00:21:38.839 we're ready to 00:21:38.839 --> 00:21:39.119 hear the 00:21:39.119 --> 00:21:40.119 concluding exchange 00:21:40.119 --> 00:21:40.980 the two responses 00:21:40.980 --> 00:21:42.500 that are between 00:21:42.500 --> 00:21:42.779 them 00:21:42.779 --> 00:21:45.559 the lawyer 00:21:45.559 --> 00:21:46.879 is so poor 00:21:46.879 --> 00:21:47.759 at loving people 00:21:47.759 --> 00:21:48.539 he can't even 00:21:48.539 --> 00:21:49.160 bring himself 00:21:49.160 --> 00:21:49.980 to answer the 00:21:49.980 --> 00:21:50.960 question saying 00:21:50.960 --> 00:21:52.079 the Samaritan 00:21:52.079 --> 00:21:53.079 is the hero 00:21:53.079 --> 00:21:53.640 of the story 00:21:53.640 --> 00:21:55.460 that's exposed 00:21:55.460 --> 00:21:56.059 his heart 00:21:56.059 --> 00:21:58.379 and so when 00:21:58.379 --> 00:21:59.079 Jesus responds 00:21:59.079 --> 00:21:59.680 saying go 00:21:59.680 --> 00:22:00.519 and do likewise 00:22:00.519 --> 00:22:01.460 all he is going 00:22:01.460 --> 00:22:02.140 to hear is 00:22:02.140 --> 00:22:02.819 more rules 00:22:02.819 --> 00:22:05.480 and in a sense 00:22:05.480 --> 00:22:06.059 that's what he 00:22:06.059 --> 00:22:06.419 needs 00:22:06.419 --> 00:22:09.000 he has made it 00:22:09.000 --> 00:22:09.359 very clear 00:22:09.359 --> 00:22:10.059 he doesn't love 00:22:10.059 --> 00:22:10.519 his neighbour 00:22:10.519 --> 00:22:11.819 but he needs 00:22:11.819 --> 00:22:12.279 to justify 00:22:12.279 --> 00:22:12.899 himself 00:22:12.899 --> 00:22:14.779 but he needs 00:22:14.779 --> 00:22:15.619 to see himself 00:22:15.619 --> 00:22:16.720 he cannot 00:22:16.720 --> 00:22:17.559 keep the law 00:22:17.559 --> 00:22:19.399 there's absolutely 00:22:19.399 --> 00:22:20.339 no way he can 00:22:20.339 --> 00:22:20.740 do it 00:22:20.740 --> 00:22:23.419 he's utterly 00:22:23.419 --> 00:22:24.000 hopeless 00:22:24.000 --> 00:22:25.859 that's one of 00:22:25.859 --> 00:22:26.319 the uses 00:22:26.319 --> 00:22:27.740 of the law 00:22:27.740 --> 00:22:28.700 it shows us 00:22:28.700 --> 00:22:29.359 our sin 00:22:29.359 --> 00:22:31.299 it shows us 00:22:31.299 --> 00:22:32.220 our helplessness 00:22:32.220 --> 00:22:33.059 and our desperate 00:22:33.059 --> 00:22:33.660 needs 00:22:33.660 --> 00:22:36.019 the law 00:22:36.019 --> 00:22:36.420 brings us 00:22:36.420 --> 00:22:37.000 to the point 00:22:37.000 --> 00:22:38.019 where we say 00:22:38.019 --> 00:22:38.420 in the words 00:22:38.420 --> 00:22:39.079 of this morning's 00:22:39.079 --> 00:22:39.779 prayer of confession 00:22:39.779 --> 00:22:41.039 I do not know 00:22:41.039 --> 00:22:41.839 what else to do 00:22:41.839 --> 00:22:42.600 but to hope 00:22:42.600 --> 00:22:43.319 and pray 00:22:43.319 --> 00:22:44.360 for your mercy 00:22:44.360 --> 00:22:48.900 but we don't 00:22:48.900 --> 00:22:49.339 have to be 00:22:49.339 --> 00:22:49.960 like the lawyer 00:22:49.960 --> 00:22:52.640 we can ask 00:22:52.640 --> 00:22:53.759 Jesus to save us 00:22:53.759 --> 00:22:55.100 we can acknowledge 00:22:55.100 --> 00:22:56.279 who the Samaritan 00:22:56.279 --> 00:22:56.680 is 00:22:56.680 --> 00:22:59.180 and Jesus 00:22:59.180 --> 00:22:59.660 gladly 00:22:59.660 --> 00:23:00.460 saves us 00:23:00.460 --> 00:23:02.500 so when we 00:23:02.500 --> 00:23:03.019 hear the command 00:23:03.019 --> 00:23:03.759 go and do 00:23:03.759 --> 00:23:04.200 likewise 00:23:04.200 --> 00:23:06.240 we don't hear 00:23:06.240 --> 00:23:07.259 a heavy burden 00:23:07.259 --> 00:23:09.960 but an invitation 00:23:09.960 --> 00:23:10.580 that we are 00:23:10.580 --> 00:23:11.320 more than happy 00:23:11.320 --> 00:23:12.039 to accept 00:23:12.039 --> 00:23:13.060 don't we 00:23:13.060 --> 00:23:15.460 there's actually 00:23:15.460 --> 00:23:15.980 something we'll be 00:23:15.980 --> 00:23:16.940 seeing a bit more 00:23:16.940 --> 00:23:17.340 tonight 00:23:17.340 --> 00:23:18.940 in 1 John 00:23:18.940 --> 00:23:19.920 so do come 00:23:19.920 --> 00:23:21.220 to this evening's 00:23:21.220 --> 00:23:21.519 service 00:23:21.519 --> 00:23:22.180 to look at that 00:23:22.180 --> 00:23:22.580 together 00:23:22.580 --> 00:23:26.460 but for now 00:23:26.460 --> 00:23:27.120 the parable 00:23:27.120 --> 00:23:27.759 will have done 00:23:27.759 --> 00:23:28.320 its work 00:23:28.320 --> 00:23:29.039 among us 00:23:29.039 --> 00:23:32.200 do you get it 00:23:32.200 --> 00:23:34.680 do you understand 00:23:34.680 --> 00:23:35.640 Jesus' message 00:23:35.640 --> 00:23:36.299 do you see 00:23:36.299 --> 00:23:37.019 what he's saying 00:23:37.019 --> 00:23:39.880 if not 00:23:39.880 --> 00:23:41.060 it's not too late 00:23:41.060 --> 00:23:41.759 it's not that 00:23:41.759 --> 00:23:42.180 it's completely 00:23:42.180 --> 00:23:42.820 hopeless for you 00:23:42.820 --> 00:23:43.100 now 00:23:43.100 --> 00:23:45.480 but you need 00:23:45.480 --> 00:23:46.080 to ask yourself 00:23:46.080 --> 00:23:46.980 what is gripping 00:23:46.980 --> 00:23:47.740 your heart 00:23:47.740 --> 00:23:49.440 so it's blocking 00:23:49.440 --> 00:23:49.920 you from 00:23:49.920 --> 00:23:50.600 understanding 00:23:50.599 --> 00:23:52.259 this message 00:23:52.259 --> 00:23:52.919 blocking you 00:23:52.919 --> 00:23:53.639 from seeing 00:23:53.639 --> 00:23:54.119 more than 00:23:54.119 --> 00:23:54.579 just a set 00:23:54.579 --> 00:23:55.240 of rules 00:23:55.240 --> 00:23:56.359 like the 00:23:56.359 --> 00:23:56.899 lawyer did 00:23:56.899 --> 00:24:00.699 who do you 00:24:00.699 --> 00:24:01.099 hate 00:24:01.099 --> 00:24:02.519 or what do 00:24:02.519 --> 00:24:02.919 you love 00:24:02.919 --> 00:24:03.459 more than 00:24:03.459 --> 00:24:04.039 God or 00:24:04.039 --> 00:24:04.399 neighbour 00:24:04.399 --> 00:24:05.779 that would 00:24:05.779 --> 00:24:06.279 stop you 00:24:06.279 --> 00:24:06.740 from seeing 00:24:06.740 --> 00:24:07.319 here a set 00:24:07.319 --> 00:24:07.819 of rules 00:24:07.819 --> 00:24:11.059 but if you 00:24:11.059 --> 00:24:11.519 see here 00:24:11.519 --> 00:24:12.059 through this 00:24:12.059 --> 00:24:13.059 wonderful window 00:24:13.059 --> 00:24:13.699 that Jesus 00:24:13.699 --> 00:24:14.099 has given 00:24:14.099 --> 00:24:14.559 us 00:24:14.559 --> 00:24:16.259 God's great 00:24:16.259 --> 00:24:17.299 love for us 00:24:17.299 --> 00:24:19.480 saving us 00:24:19.480 --> 00:24:20.240 paying the 00:24:20.240 --> 00:24:21.240 cost for us 00:24:21.240 --> 00:24:22.420 bringing us 00:24:22.420 --> 00:24:23.140 back to life 00:24:23.140 --> 00:24:24.039 as he goes 00:24:24.039 --> 00:24:24.420 on to 00:24:24.420 --> 00:24:24.900 Jerusalem 00:24:24.900 --> 00:24:26.259 goes to 00:24:26.259 --> 00:24:26.759 the cross 00:24:26.759 --> 00:24:27.720 pays our 00:24:27.720 --> 00:24:28.240 price 00:24:28.240 --> 00:24:30.359 and comes 00:24:30.359 --> 00:24:30.880 back to 00:24:30.880 --> 00:24:31.299 life 00:24:31.299 --> 00:24:33.220 to restore 00:24:33.220 --> 00:24:33.740 us 00:24:33.740 --> 00:24:35.900 then all you 00:24:35.900 --> 00:24:36.240 need to do 00:24:36.240 --> 00:24:36.680 is ask 00:24:36.680 --> 00:24:37.039 and you will 00:24:37.039 --> 00:24:37.539 receive 00:24:37.539 --> 00:24:38.079 as we were 00:24:38.079 --> 00:24:38.680 singing earlier 00:24:38.680 --> 00:24:40.960 and your 00:24:40.960 --> 00:24:41.720 heart will be 00:24:41.720 --> 00:24:42.420 full of 00:24:42.420 --> 00:24:43.079 praise 00:24:43.079 --> 00:24:44.940 to God 00:24:44.940 --> 00:24:45.339 we would 00:24:45.339 --> 00:24:45.799 just be 00:24:45.799 --> 00:24:46.640 responding to 00:24:46.640 --> 00:24:46.940 him saying 00:24:46.940 --> 00:24:47.480 oh 00:24:47.480 --> 00:24:48.160 oh 00:24:48.160 --> 00:24:48.759 the depths 00:24:48.759 --> 00:24:51.880 that is 00:24:51.880 --> 00:24:52.140 when we 00:24:52.140 --> 00:24:52.460 know 00:24:52.460 --> 00:24:53.519 that we 00:24:53.519 --> 00:24:54.200 understand 00:24:54.200 --> 00:24:54.779 the gospel 00:24:54.779 --> 00:24:56.960 let's pray 00:24:56.960 --> 00:24:57.319 shall we 00:24:57.319 --> 00:24:57.759 desde 00:24:57.759 --> 00:24:57.759 00:24:57.759 --> 00:24:57.759 00:24:57.759 --> 00:24:57.759 00:24:57.759 --> 00:24:57.759 00:24:57.759 --> 00:24:57.759 00:24:57.759 --> 00:24:57.759 00:24:57.759 --> 00:24:57.759 00:24:57.759 --> 00:24:57.759 00:24:57.759 --> 00:24:57.759 00:24:57.759 --> 00:24:57.759 00:24:57.759 --> 00:24:57.759 00:24:57.759 --> 00:24:57.759 00:24:57.759 --> 00:24:57.759 00:24:57.759 --> 00:24:57.759 00:24:57.759 --> 00:24:57.759 00:24:57.759 --> 00:24:57.759 00:24:57.759 --> 00:24:57.759 00:24:57.759 --> 00:24:57.759 00:24:57.759 --> 00:24:57.759 00:24:57.759 --> 00:24:57.759 00:24:57.759 --> 00:24:57.759 00:24:57.759 --> 00:24:57.759 00:24:57.759 --> 00:24:57.759 00:24:57.759 --> 00:24:57.759 00:24:57.759 --> 00:24:57.759 00:24:57.759 --> 00:24:57.759 00:24:57.759 --> 00:24:57.759 00:24:57.759 --> 00:24:57.759 00:24:57.759 --> 00:24:57.759 00:24:57.759 --> 00:24:57.759 00:24:57.759 --> 00:24:57.759 00:24:57.759 --> 00:24:57.759 00:24:57.759 --> 00:24:57.759 00:24:57.759 --> 00:24:57.759 00:24:57.759 --> 00:24:57.759 00:24:57.759 --> 00:24:57.759 00:24:57.759 --> 00:24:57.759 00:24:57.759 --> 00:24:57.759 00:24:57.759 --> 00:24:57.759 00:24:57.759 --> 00:24:57.759 00:24:57.759 --> 00:24:57.759 00:24:57.759 --> 00:24:57.759 00:24:57.759 --> 00:24:57.759 00:24:57.759 --> 00:24:57.759 00:24:57.759 --> 00:24:57.759 00:24:57.759 --> 00:24:57.759 00:24:57.759 --> 00:24:57.759 00:24:57.759 --> 00:24:57.759 00:24:57.759 --> 00:24:57.759 00:24:57.759 --> 00:24:57.759 00:24:57.759 --> 00:24:57.759 00:24:57.759 --> 00:24:57.759 00:24:57.759 --> 00:24:57.759 00:24:57.759 --> 00:24:57.759 00:24:57.759 --> 00:24:57.759 00:24:57.759 --> 00:24:57.759 00:24:57.759 --> 00:24:57.759 00:24:57.759 --> 00:24:57.759 00:24:57.759 --> 00:24:57.759 00:24:57.759 --> 00:24:57.759 00:24:57.759 --> 00:24:57.759 00:24:57.759 --> 00:24:57.759 00:24:57.759 --> 00:24:57.759 00:24:57.759 --> 00:24:57.759 00:24:57.759 --> 00:24:57.759 00:24:57.759 --> 00:24:57.759 00:24:57.759 --> 00:24:57.759 00:24:57.759 --> 00:24:57.759 00:24:57.759 --> 00:24:57.759 00:24:57.759 --> 00:24:57.759 00:24:57.759 --> 00:24:57.759 00:24:57.759 --> 00:25:27.740 Thank you.