Orthodox Sermons & Articles

Pharisees, scribes, angry rulers and now a lawyer… How many people tried to find in Jesus’ words something they could turn against Him? Reading the New Testament one could say, "Enough, already! How long are they going to confront Him?" As many times as Jesus was challenged, we must remember that many of these confrontations were never put into in writing? Jesus had to stand against unrighteous accusations all His days while preaching the Good News to the people.

Analyzing all those actions against the Lord, we come to recognize His kindness, mercifulness, meekness, compassion and understanding of any situation. We come to understanding that each attempt to lower Jesus in the eyes of multitudes was turned by Christ into a sermon for the preaching of the Way of Salvation. If there were a misunderstanding, He would give the correct answer to the people in a way they could understand, which would enable them to make correct decisions in the future. His answers were given in such way that, if possible, even one who tried to catch Him would turn to Him and follow Him. Jesus did not argue, He explained His teachings and the Law. This is why many followed him from the very beginning; He knew the correct answer and He answered with authority as the Son of God.

Today’s gospel reading underlines Jesus’ teaching about caring for one another. The lawyer expected that Jesus would go against the Law of Moses. It seems that this lawyer did not know much about the Lord. And I think that in his conversation with the Savior he learned that Jesus is not one who teaches against God, but instead opens new understanding of the Law. His teaching is filled with love and compassion and He wanted all His followers to do the same.

Just look at what Jesus offers to the person who stood up and tested Him. In response to the lawyer’s question about eternal life and how to inherit it Christ answered, "What is written in the Law? What is your reading of it?" showing that He is not a revolutionary leader, but the One Who respects the Law and follows it Himself. Jesus agreed with the lawyers answer, "You have answered rightly. Do this and you will live." Do what? Love the Lord your God with all your heart, with all your soul, with all your strength, and with all your mind, and your neighbor as yourself. Jesus’ answer made Him uncomfortable because he asked the question, not because he didn’t know the answer, but because he wanted to test Him. And everybody started to realize that this is why the lawyer switched his attention from one subject to another, "And who is my neighbor?"

The parable Jesus told in return to the question was a real lesson to everyone listening to the conversation. In the parable Jesus pointed out that the Priests and the Levites of the Old Testament didn’t care much about helping people in a spiritual manner. They pass by the needy soul and do not pay attention to him because they are busy with other things. How can you serve God if you fail to help the one who is made in God’s image? Jesus uncovered a real sore that has existed throughout all times - pride. The lawyer’s eyes became open when Jesus’ parable made him realize that your neighbor is anyone who needs your help or one who helps you. Jesus opened the eyes of lawyer’s soul and tendered it with compassion. This is what the Law is all about – to teach to love one another.

Dear brothers and sisters, Jesus Christ touched the heart of the lawyer and it changed his opinion concerning the Law. The Lord opened his soul for salvation by telling him a simple parable. But what about us? Do we listen carefully to His words in the Bible? Do we test Jesus every day or do we agree with Him? Do we change our lives for the better after reading or listening to His words? We have to answer these questions honestly. Please, ask yourself these questions and do not hide the answers inside but come to our Lord and ask for guidance. We all should do this every day before we go to bed.

People do not read the word of God because they are too busy during the week and they do not go to the church on Sunday because they were too busy during the week. So, what is the barrier between the church and us? Our busy week! But this is not an excuse, dear brothers and sisters. This has been given to us as the ruling Law: "Six days you shall labor, and do all your work; but the seventh day is the Sabbath (holy) to the Lord your God" (Deuteronomy 5:12). "Six days you shall labor, and do all your work." In other words, "Be busy and work hard during six days but on the seventh day get some rest." These words, my dear, reveal a grave error of the modern world. God said to rest on the seventh day and dedicate this day to Him, but people value their rest as sitting in their comfortable armchair doing nothing. We all must update our view of the seventh day of rest. We can rest properly only by being with God on that day. If we don’t, our souls will become more tired than our bodies and our peace of mind will be jammed under the weight of uncertainty. Therefore, please come to church to pray, to be at peace and to learn how to avoid mistakes that will make a negative impact on your life!

Every person who calls him or herself an Orthodox Christian must change his or her way of life for the better. Better in this case, means closer to God. "Go and do likewise," said Jesus to the lawyer after the parable. "Go and do likewise," says the Lord to each one of us Orthodox Christians. Love one another and care for one another. Doing this we extend our church service far beyond these walls. Let’s bring peace to each other and understanding. Let’s listen to Christ’s words and make correct decisions. Let’s come to church to rest with God, as the grace of the Holy Spirit will be poured on us abundantly. Maybe some people will laugh at you because of your religious orientation. But remember, that Jesus Christ did not pay attention to either laughter or tests directed towards Him. He even endured the Cross for our well-being. So, let’s love Him in return and let’s come to meet Him in His Holy House every Sunday. Amen.