Do You Think He Will Pay? — Sermon on the Good Samaritan

Opening Scripture

"The next day he took out two denarii and gave them to the innkeeper. 'Take care of him,' he said, 'and when I return, I will reimburse you for any extra expense you may have.'"

Jesus told the parable of the Good Samaritan to teach love of neighbor — but here we focus on a single, powerful promise: "I will reimburse you for any extra expense." The question for us is simple: Do you think He will pay?

1. Christ: The Ultimate Good Samaritan

The Samaritan points us to Christ. Humanity lay wounded by sin; Jesus bound our wounds, poured in the oil and wine of the Spirit, and paid our debt with His blood. He entrusts us with caring for the broken (1 Peter 2:24; Romans 5:6).

Illustration: Think of a doctor or nurse who personally covers a poor patient’s bill — their compassion mirrors Christ's care for us and His trust in us to care for others.

2. God's Promise: Whatever You Spend, I Will Repay

When we invest time, money, and love in God’s mission, Scripture assures us that God does not forget our work:

• Hebrews 6:10 — God is not unjust to forget your work and love.
• 1 Corinthians 15:58 — Your labor in the Lord is not in vain.
• Mark 10:29–30 — Sacrifices for the kingdom receive a hundredfold now and eternal life.

Modern Illustration — Kenyan Missionary Testimony

In the 1990s a young Kenyan couple planted a church in a remote village with only a little savings. Months of hunger and few attendees almost forced them to quit. They prayed, asking, “Lord, You sent us—do You think You will pay?” The very next week a Christian businessman discovered their work and later provided funds. That small church is now a thriving congregation with a school and clinic. God repaid their sacrifice.

3. Why We Sometimes Doubt

We doubt because human promises fail and sacrifices can look costly in the short term. But Scripture assures us that God is faithful and cannot lie (Numbers 23:19). Our fears—about lack, about being forgotten—are met with God’s promises.

Illustration: A young graduate faithfully gave tithes while struggling financially; friends mocked him. Later unexpected job opportunities and provision confirmed God's faithfulness.

4. The Certainty of His Reward

Jesus promises reward even for small acts done in His name (Matthew 10:42). Luke 6:38 and Philippians 4:19 assure us God supplies needs and blesses generous hearts.

Modern Illustration — George Müller

George Müller, who cared for thousands of orphans in 19th-century England, never directly solicited funds. Once there was no food at all; after prayer, a baker arrived with extra bread and a milkman, whose cart had broken down, gave milk — that day every child was fed. Müller's life demonstrates that God provides and "pays" for those who trust Him.

5. Our Call: Keep Spending for the Mission

We are called to be faithful stewards — to pray, to give, to serve. Galatians 6:9 exhorts us not to grow weary in well doing, for in due season we will reap. Even when the "innkeeper" worries about cost, we trust the Samaritan's promise.

Practical steps:

1. Commit to regular giving (tithe, offerings, mission support).
2. Invest time mentoring, praying, and serving the needy.
3. Keep testimonies of God’s provision in your church bulletin—encourage faith.

6. Conclusion — Do You Think He Will Pay?

Yes — He will pay. He paid for our sins on the cross; He pays daily mercies, provision, and will pay eternal rewards (2 Timothy 4:7–8; Revelation 22:12). Let this truth strengthen you to give sacrificially and serve without fear.

"I have fought the good fight, I have finished the race, I have kept the faith. Now there is in store for me the crown of righteousness..."

Call to Action: Trust Christ's promise. Continue to serve and give. When the final account is settled, you will not be left empty. Do you think He will pay? Yes—He will pay in full.

Modern-Day Illustrations for Sermon: Do You Think He Will Pay?

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1. George Müller’s Story (England, 1800s)

George Müller ran orphanages in Bristol, England, during the 19th century. He cared for over 10,000 orphans in his lifetime, yet he never once asked anyone directly for money. He simply prayed and trusted God to provide.

One morning, there was no food at all in the orphanage. The children sat at the tables waiting for breakfast. Müller told them, “God will provide.” They bowed their heads and prayed. Just as they finished praying, there was a knock at the door.

A local baker said, “Mr. Müller, I couldn’t sleep last night. I felt God wanted me to bake extra bread for you.” Moments later, a milkman’s cart broke down right outside the orphanage. He didn’t want the milk to spoil, so he gave it all to the children.

That day, the children had bread and milk — enough for everyone.

Müller never lacked, because God always repaid. His life was a testimony that the Samaritan keeps His promise: “Whatever you spend, I will repay.”

2. African Missionary Testimony (Kenya, 1990s)

In the 1990s, a young Kenyan pastor and his wife felt called to plant a church in a remote village. They had no outside funding — only their faith and the little savings they had.

They spent their money on renting a small mud hut, buying simple benches, and printing a few gospel tracts. For months, only five to ten people came to worship. Sometimes they wondered if it was worth the sacrifice.

One evening, their last bit of food was finished, and they had nothing left. They prayed: “Lord, You sent us here. You promised to provide. Do You think You will pay?”

The next day, a stranger passing through the village stopped by their little church. He was touched by their commitment. Unknown to them, he was a Christian businessman from Nairobi. He later sent financial support, which allowed the church to build a permanent structure.

Today, that small hut has grown into a thriving congregation with hundreds of members, a school, and a clinic. Their testimony is clear: God always pays when we spend for His mission.