29 But he, wanting to justify himself, said to Jesus, “And who is my neighbor?” 30 Then Jesus answered and said: “A certain man went down from Jerusalem to Jericho, and fell among thieves, who stripped him of his clothing, wounded him, and departed, leaving him half dead. 31 Now by chance a certain priest came down that road. And when he saw him, he passed by on the other side. 32 Likewise a Levite, when he arrived at the place, came and looked, and passed by on the other side. 33 But a certain Samaritan, as he journeyed, came where he was. And when he saw him, he had compassion. 34 So he went to him and bandaged his wounds, pouring on oil and wine; and he set him on his own animal, brought him to an inn, and took care of him. 35 On the next day, when he departed, he took out two denarii, gave them to the innkeeper, and said to him, ‘Take care of him; and whatever more you spend, when I come again, I will repay you.’ 36 So which of these three do you think was neighbor to him who fell among the thieves?” 37 And he said, “He who showed mercy on him.” Then Jesus said to him, “Go and do likewise.”
Luke 10:29-37
Q & A：
- Who is Jesus referring to as your neighbor in His summarized commandments to love God and love your neighbor as yourself. Discuss how the reactions of the priest, the Levite, and the Samaritan to the man who fell among the robbers, reflect to you about the heart of a true neighbor (believer of Christ) to those in need. (Luke 10:29-37; Luke 10:27)
- How should we respond towards and journey with those who are down, experiencing depression or anxiety attacks, knowing that depression is viewed as just another illness which can affect anyone going through the deepest valley in their lives? How can you use the word of God to help change the perspectives of those who are struggling with self-image and the feeling of rejection? (Rom 15:12; 1 King 19:4-5; Rom 12:12)
- Jesus has instructed us to go and do likewise as the good Samaritan showed mercy and went the extra mile to take care of the injured man, discuss if there are people around you who may be suffering from job loss, broken relationship or sickness and what practical support can you provide to journey with them through the love of Christ. (Luke 10:33-35; Luke 10:36-37)