THE PARABLE OF THE GOOD SAMARITAN

Passage: Luke 10:25~37  

Key verse: 37

1. "Who is my neighbor?" (25-29)

An expert in the law tested Jesus by asking him what he had to do to inherit eternal life. Rather than answer the inquiry, Jesus asked the man how he understood the Law. The expert quoted the Law, saying that loving God with all of one's heart and loving one's neighbor is how to inherit eternal life. Jesus agreed with the response and then told the man to do it. Faith in God must result in good works. (Ja 2:14-16) But the expert wanted to justify himself and asked, "Who is my neighbor?" This was the wrong question.

2. How to be a merciful neighbor (30-37)

Jesus told a story about a man who was robbed, beaten and left for dead on the road. A priest saw him but walked past. A Levite did the same thing. Then a Samaritan saw the nearly dead man, bandaged him, put the man on his donkey and carried him to an inn. Then the Samaritan paid the innkeeper to nurse the man. The expert admitted that the Samaritan had been a true neighbor.



Prayer: Lord Jesus, you are like the merciful Samaritan in the story. Help me to go and do likewise.

One Word: Be a merciful neighbor