This is the last of four messages in a series on the subject of Joy (see message 0812 - 0815).  How much are you willing to do for a stranger, or even for a friend?  Do you, or would you, go out of your way to help a friend in need?  As this message was delivered, a lady in our congregation is in final preparations to give the gift of a kidney, perhaps a gift of life in this case, to someone she had met by chance.  Or was that chance really God's work?  Are you ready to praise God for an opportunity to help a stranger in need, and when doing so, promoting this chance meeting is God's doing?

Message Outline -

Introduction:

John 10:10 Jesus related the joy of life with serving God. It is His 2^nd most talked about subject in the N.T. Jesus doesn't accept excuses for not serving. Remember last week I spoke about the one talented man. Jesus did not accept age as an excuse remember the little boy with two fish and seven loafs of bread? Or the elderly lady giving her two cents in the offering?

What steals the joy out of life is the fear and negativity of serving God.

Luke 10:25 Jesus was ask a question. "What must I do to obtain eternal life?"

Vs 26 How do you read it? How do you understand it? How do you apply the Bible to your life?

Vs. 27-29 That kind of intangible "I love God" How do you apply that to your life? How do you serve others?

Vs. 30_37 These two guys would be compared to church goers today.

The first question they ask themselves was, "What do I get out of it?" What is it going to cost me? If I stop and help this man what will happen to me?

The first question the Samaritan ask "If I do not stop and help this man what will happen to him? What about the golden rule? Do unto others as you would have them do unto you.

This is one of those intersections in life. Where you get off your donkey and demonstrate your love for God.

#I He got his hands dirty. Vs 34

1. He moved out of his comfort zone.
2. Illustration Joan died.

#II He was inconvenient

1. He put the man on his own donkey.
2. This was a deserted area
3. It was several mile to help.
4. It took him away from his destination.
5. It was not in his palm pilot.
6. Vs. 35 It may have cost him a night.
7. Illustration: It was a bitter cold night in January 1989
8. Fast forward 1992

#III He provided money Vs 35

1. It is interesting the last thing the Samaritan did was give money.
2. It is usually the other way around, it is easier to give money than get involved.
3. Write a check or make an excuse about not having money.
4. Now and then money is what it takes to meet the need.

#IV Vs. 36-37

1. Was Jesus just telling a nice story to entertain them and for us to read?
2. Was Jesus just flapping His gums?
3. Jesus was sharing about enjoying life.
4. Vs. 28 and 37. Do this and live, go and do like wise.

Conclusion:

This story epitomized the adage.

"I am only one person I cannot help everyone but I can help someone."

"I cannot do everything, but I can do something for someone."