Welcome to New Covenant Church!

We are so glad you have joined us to celebrate the Risen Lord! This week, we will hear a lesson from Fr. Christopher Caudle called "The Innkeeper's Surprise."  Here are the scriptures for this week:

Scriptures
Psalm 33:12-22
Hebrews 11:1-3, 8-16
Luke 10:25-37

We look forward to seeing you online with us!

Hear the sermon now, "The Inkeepers Surprise" - Fr. Christopher Caudle

Summary

The sermon titled "The Innkeeper’s Surprise" by Fr. Christopher Caudle explores the well-known parable of the Good Samaritan from Luke chapter 10. It delves into the themes of mercy, neighborliness, and the interpretation of God's law, emphasizing practical compassion and the call to live out these teachings in everyday life.

Introduction to the Parable and Context

Fr. Christopher begins by situating the parable within Luke 10, highlighting that it is one of the unique and best-known stories of Jesus, alongside the Prodigal Son. He recalls Jesus sending out the 72 disciples to proclaim the Kingdom of God, emphasizing the need for workers in the harvest and the joy in witnessing the Spirit's power. The parable is introduced as a response to an expert in the law question about inheriting eternal life and who qualifies as a neighbor.

The Expert in the Law Question and Jesus’ Response

The expert in the law tests Jesus by asking what must be done to inherit eternal life. Jesus replies by asking what is written in the law and how the expert interprets it. The lawyer correctly answers by citing the command to love God fully and to love one’s neighbor as oneself. Jesus affirms this as the correct answer, but the expert seeks to justify himself by asking, "Who is my neighbor?" This question sets the stage for the parable.

The Parable of the Good Samaritan

The parable tells of a man traveling from Jerusalem to Jericho who is attacked by robbers, stripped, beaten, and left half dead beside the road. A priest and a Levite each see the man but pass by on the other side, avoiding involvement. Unexpectedly, a Samaritan, traditionally despised by Jews, stops and shows compassion. He tends to the man’s wounds using oil and wine, carries him on his donkey to an inn, and pays the innkeeper to care for him, promising to cover any additional expenses upon his return.

The Central Theme: Mercy and Compassion

Fr. Christopher emphasizes that all three—the priest, the Levite, and the Samaritan—witness the same facts, but their responses differ. The Samaritan’s compassion, described as "taking pity," is the pivotal act of the story and the central Greek term used in the parable. It is also linked to Jesus’ ministry to those in distress. The Samaritan’s actions are costly, involving time, resources, and personal sacrifice, going beyond mere duty to embody mercy.

The Innkeeper’s Role and the Surprise

The innkeeper is not surprised by the presence of wounded travelers or by guests spending others’ money. Still, he would be surprised by the Samaritan’s willingness to care for someone usually excluded from such concern, especially at personal cost. The Samaritan’s care may have exceeded the loss caused by the robbers, highlighting the depth of true neighborliness.

The Call to Action and Reflection on Mercy

Jesus concludes by asking which of the three was a neighbor, with the expert in the law answering the one who showed mercy. Jesus then commands, "Go and do likewise." Fr. Christopher reflects on the difficulty of accepting help and people's hesitance due to pride, fear, or distrust. He stresses that before one can be a neighbor to others, one must be willing to accept help, especially from God, who ministers to human weakness with mercy and care.

Historical and Contemporary Reflections

Fr. Christopher cites historical figures such as Methodius of Olympus, Horace Mann, Margaret Thatcher, and Dr. Martin Luther King Jr., who all underscore the importance of mercy, action, and practical love. Dr. King’s poignant question reframes the moral imperative: instead of fearing personal risk in helping others, one should consider the consequences of inaction.

Justice, Mercy, and Faithfulness in the Law

Fr. Christopher highlights Jesus’ teaching that justice, mercy, and faithfulness are integral to God’s law, not separate or contradictory principles. While societal measures like policing and road safety are essential, they do not replace the personal call to mercy that reflects God’s character. He challenges believers to embody this mercy in everyday encounters, transforming communities by responding compassionately to brokenness.

Practical Application and Closing Challenge

In closing, Fr. Christopher encourages listeners to seek God’s help to see not just the facts of difficult situations but to perceive opportunities for mercy. By doing so, they can become true neighbors, surprising those around them with unexpected kindness and embodying the character of Christ. This merciful neighborliness is presented as the hallmark of discipleship and the way to experience the life of the world to come.

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