Skin in the Game

Reading of the Word

Luke 10:33–35 NASB 2020

But a Samaritan who was on a journey came upon him; and when he saw him, he felt compassion, and came to him and bandaged up his wounds, pouring oil and wine on them; and he put him on his own animal, and brought him to an inn and took care of him. On the next day he took out two denarii and gave them to the innkeeper and said, ‘Take care of him; and whatever more you spend, when I return, I will repay you.’

Prayer of Illumination

Almighty God,

Illuminate our hearts with the Samaritan’s lesson.

Grant us eyes to see beyond differences,

And hands ready to help those in need.

May our actions reflect your boundless love,

Spreading kindness and understanding.

In your grace, we pray.

Amen.

Introduction

Many people have opinions about how and where to invest your money. In a social-media- driven culture, everyone has an opinion. But investors who have committed their own money to a venture should carry the weightiest advice because they have skin in the game. They have risked something of their own.

What does it mean to have skin in the game? A quick Google search reveals that the phrase comes from horse racing. A horse’s owner has skin in the game (literally—the horse’s skin) whenever their horse is in a race. During that particular race, the owner of the horse is personally invested in the outcome. From there, billionaire investor Warren Buffett reportedly picked up that phrase when he referred to his own initial investment into a fund. He would say he had skin in the game because it would cost him something if there was a loss.

Shareholder meetings because they have invested and have an interest in a company because they own a part (even many times very small).

A Quick Recap:

3 people encounter this hurt man:

A Priest & Levite encounter him, get as far away from him as they can, and keep going on their merry way.

They scoot by and forget they even saw the victims in need.

Their eyes reflect the eyes of much of the world today, who stands by, watches others in need, and records their need on their phones.

Then we have this Samaritan man. Hated by the Jews but openly helps this man and gives his all in doing so. We need to dig deeper into this man today so that we really understand the significance of his compassion and mercy to this victim.

His eyes show selflessness, compassion and care for this man in his time of need.

The first move in putting skin in the game was stopping and moving toward the victim.

The Samaritan interrupted his plans and his direction and moved to where the victim was.

He got down off his animal and came close enough to see exactly what had happened and what was needed.

Though belonging to a lowly and obscure race, his thoughts are high.

He put himself in harm’s way because he could have been robbed too.

He himself comes down, dismounting, that he may help the man to rise.

We are called to do likewise. We come down and humble ourselves, dismount from our will, and we make the move to help broken lives rise.

Psalm 147:3 NASB 2020

He heals the brokenhearted And binds up their wounds.

Psalm 147:6 NASB 2020

The Lord supports the afflicted; He brings the wicked down to the ground.

We then pray that they will “go and do likewise.”

Disciples making disciples.

Some needy people you and I will encounter cannot respond. They may be too embarrassed to admit their need and ask for help. Or perhaps they are too proud. Some victims find it difficult to receive help. That's why it’s important to move toward the needy person.

Some people think that ministry occurs by setting a time and location for all needy people to come to church for help. “This Thursday night, everyone who needs encouragement, please come to the church at 7pm, and we will encourage you!” How many discouraged people do you think would come? Instead of expecting needy people to come to church, we must go to where the needy people are located!

The Samaritan relocated himself and went to the needy person and became a hero.

Getting your skin in the game requires people to relocate themselves to help needy people.

The next move is to look for wounds we can help with.

Once the Samaritan was close enough, he could see exactly where the wounds were located so he could know where to bandage them to stop the bleeding.

In medical terms, this is called triage. Triage means to assess the urgency of the various needs and what is required for treatment.

Prioritizing needs begins with discovering the various wounds. In practical terms, this may mean helping needy people in a number of immediate (or short-term) ways before they can be helped in long-term ways.

It may mean getting them food or a temporary place to stay. It may be helping with a tank of gas or a ride to work. It may mean helping get their electricity turned back on. It may be providing needed clothing or temporary childcare.

The type of bandaging depends on the type of wound. The wounds for some victims can be overwhelming, and figuring out where to start may be paralyzing. Bandages may need to be physical, financial, mental/psychiatric, emotional, or practical in other ways.

Getting your skin in the game means recognizing the challenges (needs) our neighbors face so we can offer the most effective support.

Apply medicines as needed.

Verse 34 shows the Samaritan taking further medical steps to heal the wounds by pouring oil and wine on them.

Oil and wine were antibacterial medicines used for wound care, but there are spiritual implications in these physical symbols too.

Oil is symbolic of the pouring on of the Holy Spirit, and wine is a symbol of the new covenant by which sins are forgiven so we might receive life and healing in his name.

We have to be careful with offering to pray for people’s needs, especially in communities and situations outside our church walls. Many people may appreciate it, but sometimes people “need to know how much we care before they can care about how much we know.”

In other words, prayer isn’t always meaningful to everyone, so if we do want to pray directly with someone, we should always ask for their consent first—and respect their wishes if they say no. Of course we can offer private prayers on behalf of anyone at any time, but it’s important to respect the boundaries of people who have expressed an aversion to being prayed for or with.

When someone does consent to being prayed for, what a wonderful opportunity we have to let them know God is the one who brings ultimate healing and God who invites us to be part of the family of God—the body of Christ.

Getting your skin in the game requires us to treat wounds with the gifts God has given us.

Get additional help.

After the Samaritan applied first aid, he transported the victim to the local care facility so he could get additional help.

Victims need to know there are many believers who are willing to help them. This is not about you being the only hero. There are many heroes in this church who are all filled with the love of God.

Some victims’ needs are overwhelming and require the aid of other members of the body of Christ! Sometimes a victim may have a combination of several wounds that would be overwhelming for any individual. Even the Samaritan realized he needed help!

Healing must be understood as a team effort. The body of Christ is composed of many people who are the hands and feet of Jesus. Your willingness to move toward the needy person, bandage wounds, and apply medicine can become the catalyst that inspires others in the body of Christ toward compassion. Your spark of willingness could ignite the flame of compassion that mobilizes others to engage their community!

The church is the body of Christ, comprising all believers with different gifts and abilities. Jesus heals through the whole body of Christ. Healing must be understood holistically. Theologically, this can be understood as full salvation. Salvation fully encompasses the body, soul, and spirit. God is not interested solely in our eternal salvation. He cares about bringing wholeness, holiness, and healing into every dimension of our lives and families.

Getting your skin in the game requires others to come along aside to help treat wounds.

Healing often requires sacrifice.

The Samaritan sacrificed his time, energy, and finances to help the needy man.

He took his own supplies to bandage up the man and poured oil and wine on the wounds. He put the victim on his own animal and transported him to the nearest place where he could obtain additional care. In addition to those immediate costs, he also paid the expenses when he arrived at the care facility, and promised to reimburse the innkeeper for any further expenses incurred while he was gone.

This extraordinary personal sacrifice foreshadows the personal sacrifice that Jesus would eventually make for us as he offered everything—his very life—for the rescue and restoration of others.

Jesus said in John 10:11: I am the good shepherd. The good shepherd lays down his life for the sheep. Jesus made the supreme sacrifice by giving his life for the sins of the world. Now he’s calling us to make our own personal sacrifices in helping others.

Getting your skin in the game requires sacrifice that is concerned on others and their wounds.

Know your limits.

Recognize that there will be a limit, when God prompts you that you’ve done your part and now let other people take the reins and continue where you left off.

I think about doctors.

Some think they can treat everything

Other doctors who are specialized in specific areas of care would be able to do a better job in treatment.

We must be humble to do the same. Thank God for the opportunity and pray for those who will take the torch from you to continue in ministering for this circumstance.

It often goes unnoticed that the Samaritan knew his limitations. Yes, he has done quite a lot already for the man in his care—but notice that he left the next day after getting the man to the inn! We aren't told where he went, but one can guess he had obligations.

The Samaritan made provision for the care of the victim but then departed. He told the innkeeper he would return and settle the bill later. Everyone has limits to what they can personally and responsibly do. Everyone has personal obligations. We have family and business obligations. We should not feel solely responsible for meeting all the needs that people have. If we give beyond our limits, we will burn ourselves out.

We need to pray for wisdom to understand the limits of our personal sacrifice. Some have trouble with giving too much, others with not giving enough. God will guide us as we pray. Don't let that become an excuse not to get involved!

We need to trust God and team up with other members of the body of Christ. Do your part and let other volunteers do their part in using their gifts, abilities, and time to meet the additional needs of hurting people.

With our benevolence budget, I team up with the Ministerial Alliance in helping to meet needs in our community and beyond. In doing so, it gives us the opportunity to help as many as possible, even with limitations.

Promote Bridge 2 Hope fundraiser letter here.

Getting your skin in the game requires you to know when you’ve done your best and others need to do the rest.

To Sum it Up: Love moves. Love reaches. Love relocates. Love asks.

Conclusion

The Samaritan had skin in the game. Because of this, Jesus commended the Samaritan and said in verse 37, “Go and do likewise.” Jesus says that to all of us! Go and do likewise! We are all called by Jesus to put our skin in the game and get involved like the compassionate Samaritan hero. Jesus set the example by putting his own skin in the game when he gave his life for our salvation. He put all of his skin in the game!

How are you putting skin in the game? What needy person do you see, and how can you respond by getting involved and showing compassion for them?

Prayer After Sermon

Heavenly Father,

Thank you for the powerful message we’ve received today through the story of the Good Samaritan. As we reflect on this parable, help us internalize its profound lessons.

Open our hearts to see beyond differences and divisions in society. Guide us to actively seek opportunities to show compassion and kindness to those around us, regardless of background or circumstance.

Empower us to be agents of healing and reconciliation in our communities, just as the Samaritan cared for the wounded stranger. Let our actions reflect your boundless love and mercy.

Grant us the courage to step out of our comfort zones and extend a helping hand to those in need. May we be known for our generosity, empathy, and willingness to serve others selflessly.

Bless us with wisdom and discernment as we navigate the complexities of daily life, always keeping in mind the example set by Jesus in this timeless parable.

In your loving name, we pray.

Amen.

Benediction

May the God of love, who has called us to be a people of faith,

Grant you strength and courage on your journey.

May the Good Shepherd guide you along paths of righteousness,

And may his peace dwell richly in your hearts.

May the Holy Spirit, our Advocate and Comforter,

Fill you with wisdom, discernment, and understanding,

As you seek to follow the ways of Christ.

Go forth in the assurance of God’s grace,

Knowing that you are loved, valued, and called to share that love with others.

May your lives bear witness to the hope that is within you,

And may you shine as lights in the world,

Reflecting the glory of God in all that you do.

In the name of the Father, the Son, and the Holy Spirit,

Amen.