The Strangers on the RoadSample

The Innkeeper On The Road

What Do We Know About The Innkeeper?

While we don’t know much about the personal life or background of the innkeeper, we do know that he was abruptly placed in a position where he needed to care for someone else. Even though the Samaritan provided two denarii (equivalent to two days' worth of pay) and promised to pay back any additional costs, the innkeeper needed to care for the man before him, trusting that the Samaritan would keep his word.

How Does This Innkeeper Point To Jesus?

The Gospel of Luke describes Jesus’ first moment on earth in the following way: “And she gave birth to her firstborn son and wrapped him in swaddling cloths and laid him in a manger, because there was no place for them in the inn.” The innkeeper had no place for Jesus, but Jesus would later comfort His worried disciples by promising to prepare a place for them in God’s Kingdom (John 14:3). Just as the innkeeper welcomed the hurting man, the Father welcomes us, not because we have anything to offer, but because Jesus has covered our bill!

How Do These Answers Impact Us?

If you feel lonely and without a place to belong, you can rest assured that there is space for you in God’s family. If you feel that God is constantly bringing hurting people into your life for you to care for, you can be confident that He will reward you abundantly, beyond anything you could imagine.

Big Idea

Just as the innkeeper welcomed the hurting man, the Father welcomes us, not because we have anything to offer, but because Jesus has covered our bill! If you feel that God is constantly bringing hurting people into your life for you to care for, you can be confident that He will reward you abundantly, beyond anything you could imagine.

Let's Think About This

Question #1: What is one thing that “jumped out” to you while reading Luke 10:35?

Question #2: Can you identify with the feeling of finding belonging in God’s Kingdom? Why or why not?

Question #3: When God calls you to serve someone generously, do you do it bitterly or with a willing heart? How does understanding what Jesus has done for you help you to give sacrificially?