Jesus Stories – Part 7

Destiny Church sermons

November 10, 2024

• Luke 10:25-28
• Luke 10:29
• Luke 10:30
• Luke 10:31-32
• Luke 10:33-35
• Luke 10:36-37

This sermon focuses on the concept of the “Jesus code,” which calls Christians to surpass personal and cultural codes of conduct and act with compassion, even toward those who have wronged or opposed them. Using the parable of the Good Samaritan from Luke 10:25-37, Pastor Gene illustrates how Jesus redefines what it means to love one’s neighbor—not just loving those who are similar or kind to us but extending grace and generosity to our enemies and those who challenge or inconvenience us.

The sermon emphasizes three main points:

1. The Villain as the Hero: In Jesus’ story, the Samaritan—an enemy of the Jews—becomes the unexpected hero, challenging the audience’s biases and assumptions about who is worthy of compassion.
2. Compassion Over Contempt: The Samaritan’s compassion, despite cultural enmity, reflects the type of radical love Jesus calls His followers to exhibit.
3. Empathy Leading to Action: The Samaritan’s response goes beyond feeling pity; it leads to tangible and costly acts of service and care, contrasting with the inaction of the priest and Levite.

Pastor Gene shares personal stories to drive home the message, including an instance of helping a rival church and aiding a homeless man, demonstrating that living by the Jesus code requires sacrificial and unconditional love. The sermon closes with a challenge to the congregation: examine personal codes and be willing to adopt Jesus’ way of loving even the most difficult individuals, echoing Christ’s example of forgiving and loving humanity despite their sins.