In Luke 10:25-37 we see an expert in the Law attempting to justify himself by narrowing definition of "who is my neighbor." Jesus tells the parable to clarify the answer. His story exposes the hatred in the heart of the Jew for the Samaritan by making him the hero of the story.
In essence, though, Jesus is describing the kind of thing He would do on the cross of Calvary. We were beaten up and left for dead by sin. Religion nor the religious can save us from our impending death. Jesus comes along with an act outside of all religion and cares for our need directly settling the debt of sin.
Jesus turns the expert in the law's question to an unexpected answer...Your neighbor is anyone who has need. So, if man were able to "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," then we could inherit eternal life. But the problem is, we don't and we can't.
1. What is unique about Jesus' parable? Think through each of the people Jesus describes in the story. What is the significance of each?
2. Why do you think Jesus uses a Samaritan as the hero in the story?
3. How might Jesus be describing the work of God addressing sin's effect on mankind?
4. How does this parable impact you?
How Should we Pray?
Lord, thank you for your love, mercy and grace. Thanks for the picture of your Devine work on the cross of calvary caring for our sin. Help me to not justify myself, but rather honestly accept responsibility for my life. Thank you that you have taken care of my sin. Amen.
The Bux-Mont & Telford Campuses of the Penn Valley Church Multi-site Network are participating in the e100 Challenge, a 100-day Bible reading program. True revival comes from prayer and knowing the Word of God. We can only live the life God intended if we know what He says about it. Join us as we read through this plan and grow deeper in our knowledge of God's Word.
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