25 On one occasion an expert in the law stood up to test Jesus. “Teacher,” he asked, “what must I do to inherit eternal life?” 26 “What is written in the Law?” he replied. “How do you read it?” 27 He answered, “‘Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your strength and with all your mind’; and, ‘Love your neighbor as yourself.’” 28 “You have answered correctly,” Jesus replied. “Do this and you will live.” 29 But he wanted to justify himself, so he asked Jesus, “And who is my neighbor?” 30 In reply Jesus said: “A man was going down from Jerusalem to Jericho, when he was attacked by robbers. They stripped him of his clothes, beat him and went away, leaving him half dead. 31 A priest happened to be going down the same road, and when he saw the man, he passed by on the other side. 32 So too, a Levite, when he came to the place and saw him, passed by on the other side. 33 But a Samaritan, as he traveled, came where the man was; and when he saw him, he took pity on him. 34 He went to him and bandaged his wounds, pouring on oil and wine. Then he put the man on his own donkey, brought him to an inn and took care of him. 35 The next day he took out two denarii and gave them to the innkeeper. ‘Look after him,’ he said, ‘and when I return, I will reimburse you for any extra expense you may have.’ 36 “Which of these three do you think was a neighbor to the man who fell into the hands of robbers?” 37 The expert in the law replied, “The one who had mercy on him.” Jesus told him, “Go and do likewise.” (Luke 10:25-37)
In the well know parable of the Good Samaritan, Jesus articulates the standard for being a good neighbor. In real life, Jesus is the Good Samaritan who sacrifices all for a world in need – the ultimate act of service. The parable provides great insights into the Discipline of Service.
Please read the parable (above) and answer the questions below.
Today’s Questions:
- The parable of the Good Samaritan contains many profound lessons. Focusing on the Discipline of Service, what stands out for you?
- What lessons can you take away about being a “good neighbor”?
March 8, 2016 at 4:09 am
What stands out for me is that truly loving others will be reflected in our actions (and words). That loving others reflect our love of God. That serving others should always be for God’s glory. That serving should come from our hearts.
Jesus taught His disciples how they must learn to truly love; “By this all men will know that you are My disciples, if you love one another” (John 13:35).
Also, that truly loving others come from a transformed heart: “Remain in Me, and I will remain in you…apart from Me you can do nothing” (John 15:4,5). I could not be a servant without a transformed heart, daily keeping close to God through prayer & His Word.
Another thing that stands out is that the Good Samaritan was not judgmental. He did not evaluate if the man deserved help or to the extent to which he helped.
“For all have sinned and come short of the glory of God: (Romans 3:23)
” For it is by grace you have been saved through faith, and this is not from yourselves, it is the gift of God” (Ephesians 2:8)
March 8, 2016 at 5:18 am
1. The parable of the Good Samaritan contains many profound lessons. Focusing on the Discipline of Service, what stands out for you?
– that true love (service) is always costly, or always involves a sacrifice – knowing that clearly in advance will help me avoid denying someone (& Christ) when it is me I should be denying.
2. What lessons can you take away about being a “good neighbor”?
– that I do not get to choose my neighbours – more deception I can take captive and take to Christ.
Oh how great is the need to abide.
March 8, 2016 at 5:31 am
What stands out to me is the extent the Samaritan helped the person I need. He didn’t just ask him if he was okay, tell him he’s sorry he was robbed, then walk away. The Samaritan actually took steps in really helping the hurt man.
There are times when we know that someone is in need and it is more convenient for us to tell the individual we will pray for them and then we move on. This parable is a perfect example of how we really should treat someone who’s hurt or in need. While a prayer is good, when we can, we should take actual steps in helping an individual who really needs our help.
I personally need to be a better neighbor.
March 8, 2016 at 7:00 am
What stood out for me was the sin of omission. God takes note,. if we are his disciples his love will overflow from our hearts to others. it is grievous to our father when we have it in our power to do good to others and we withhold it/When we see someone naked and hungry and our response is be fed be clothe.. all we offer is “prayer” when we can do so much more.. when we stand before him He will say to us ” get away from me. i do not know you, wicked servant” His deep abiding love must always be evident in our lives…which can only be spontaneous if we remain connected to the True Vine
March 8, 2016 at 7:16 am
What stands out for you? How prepared the Samaritan was. Not only was his heart prepared to help someone on his path but he was physically prepared with oil, wine etc.
What lessons can you take away about being a “good neighbor”? I need to be on the lookout for those hurt on my path, I need to not just see them but go over to them, I need to be ready (equipped with supplies) to help them.
March 8, 2016 at 6:17 pm
This story amazes me each time I read it. Who is my neighbor and how come is a Samaritan that qualifies amongst these set of people? Supposing with this quality, the Good Samaritan loves the lord with all his heart and so on, will he inherit the kingdom of God? Was he a Christaian? Or let’s put it this way , was he a believer in God/Christ?
And the reason I ask this is; There are people who were not able to hear about Christ before their death but happen Mohave lived like this Samaritan, will they inherit the kingdom of God?
Hat stood out for me here is, he was a friend not only in words but indeed.
Oh Lord help us to be obedient to your word and recover all our lost blessings in Jesus name , amen.
Daniel
March 8, 2016 at 6:58 pm
Being of service to others will not always be convenient. You won’t always be called to help others who look or think like you. You may even be called to help people who would never do the same in return. Yet, the Lord wants us to serve with genuine and humble hearts. The Samaritan’s actions are so striking because they are not superficial -he is thorough in his care of the man. He spares no expense.
I need to make a concerted effort to be more open to the numerous ways I can serve and be more like Jesus.
March 8, 2016 at 8:09 pm
This story amazes me each time I read it. When I do, I wonder if I have the heart to live up to this glorious standard. What stands out for me is that the Good Samaritan spared no expense, convenience or personal care to assist the man – and he didn’t know him from Adam! – that blows my mind! And he touched him!!! – was he worried about germs/diseases?? (a concern that would have been uppermost in my mind).
A neighbour is anyone who crosses my path. If he be in need and I have the power to fulfill that need – I am called upon to be the Good Neighbour.