September 2. Passing By
J.R. Miller challenges believers to embody Christ-like compassion by not passing by those in need, emphasizing that position or status does not guarantee a tender heart.
In this devotional sermon, J.R. Miller reflects on the story of the priest who passed by the injured man in Luke 10:31. He challenges listeners to examine their own hearts and actions, reminding them that religious status does not guarantee compassion. Miller calls believers to respond with Christ-like kindness and to avoid making excuses for neglecting those in need.
Text
"A priest happened to be going down the same road, and when he saw the man, he passed by on the other side." Luke 10:31
We must not suppose that all priests were thus cold and heartless. Ministers are generally warm-hearted men; they all ought to be so; they ought to set the people the example of kindness and sympathy; they ought to be like Christ — and He was always ready to help anybody in trouble. No doubt many of the Jewish priests were kind and generous; but here was one who was not. This shows us that being a priest or a minister does not make any one tender-hearted; one may occupy a very sacred place — and yet have a cold and hard heart. But it is very sad when it is so.
This priest did not even stop to look at the sufferer, or to ask him how be came to be injured, or to inquire what he could do for him. He kept as far to the other side of the road as he could get; perhaps he even pretended not to see the wounded man. No doubt he had excuses ready in his own mind. He was in a great hurry, or he was very tired, or he could not do anything for the poor man if he should stop, or he was very tender-hearted and could not bear to look on blood.
Never mind about his motives; it is more to our purpose to avoid repeating his fault. Do we ever pass by human needs that we well know we ought to stop to relieve? Do we ever keep out of the way of those whose needs strongly appeal to us? Do we ever have trouble hunting up excuses to satisfy our own clamorous consciences because we have passed by someone we ought to have helped? Some people look the other way — when they are passing a blind man on the wayside. Ministers have refused to go to see sick people, because they were weary. People have stayed away from church, because there was to be an appeal for money for a needy cause. This verse is an ugly mirror, isn\
Sermon Outline
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I. The Example of the Priest
- Priests generally expected to be kind and sympathetic
- This particular priest was cold and hard-hearted
- Position does not guarantee compassion
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II. The Priest’s Failure to Help
- He passed by on the other side deliberately
- He made excuses for not stopping
- His motives do not excuse his neglect
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III. The Call to Self-Examination
- Do we avoid helping those in need?
- Do we make excuses to satisfy our conscience?
- We must not repeat the priest’s fault
Key Quotes
“Being a priest or a minister does not make any one tender-hearted; one may occupy a very sacred place — and yet have a cold and hard heart.” — J.R. Miller
“Never mind about his motives; it is more to our purpose to avoid repeating his fault.” — J.R. Miller
“Do we ever have trouble hunting up excuses to satisfy our own clamorous consciences because we have passed by someone we ought to have helped?” — J.R. Miller
Application Points
- Examine your heart regularly to ensure it is tender and compassionate toward those in need.
- Avoid making excuses when opportunities arise to help others, responding instead with immediate kindness.
- Reflect on how your actions reflect Christ’s example of mercy and service.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why did the priest pass by the injured man?
The priest likely had excuses such as being in a hurry or unable to help, but the sermon emphasizes that these reasons do not justify his lack of compassion.
Does being a religious leader guarantee compassion?
No, the sermon points out that even those in sacred positions can have cold and hard hearts.
What is the main lesson from the priest’s behavior?
The main lesson is to not ignore the needs of others and to avoid making excuses for failing to help.
How can believers apply this message today?
Believers are encouraged to actively look for opportunities to help others and respond with kindness and sympathy.
What does this sermon say about conscience?
It warns against silencing our conscience with excuses when we pass by those in need.