THE SET UP
Who is my neighbor? That was the question Jesus was asked before He told one of His most famous stories, the story of the Good Samaritan. Even people who don’t know much about the bible or church throw out references to being a good Samaritan. An amazing part of Jesus’ story is that the hero of the story is not a Jew, but a Samaritan. Jews and Samaritans did NOT get along, and the idea that a Samaritan could act in a morally superior was would have been a hard pill Jesus’ listeners to swallow. Jesus’ story powerfully answered the question, “Who is my neighbor?” It also reminds us, as Luke is prone to do, that the kingdom Jesus said He came to establish is for everyone. Even the dreaded Samaritans.
PASSAGE TO READ
Luke 10:25-37 (Page 623 in our house bibles)
REFLECTION QUESTIONS
What was the conversation that led to Jesus telling the story of the Good Samaritan?
What are your personal take aways from Jesus’ story?
If you were to think about a “Samaritan” in your life (someone you are not prone to think highly of), who would that be? What do you think it means to be a good neighbor to them?
PRAYER IDEA
Ask God to show you how to love your neighbor (co-worker, classmate, friend) today.