Restart: Compassion and JusticeSample

NEIGHBOR

An expert in the Law of Moses stood up and asked Jesus a question to see what he would say. “Teacher,” he asked, “what must I do to have eternal life?” Jesus responded with the command to love God and one’s neighbor just before uttering one of the most well-known parables: the parable of the Good Samaritan. Thus was coined the phrase: “good Samaritan”—someone who goes out of his or her way to aid someone in need.

Jesus’ listeners would have been shocked at this story, however. The person in need—a Jewish man—was aided by a Samaritan, someone he probably would have avoided had he not been in need. At this time, Jews and Samaritans were hostile toward one another. This story reminds us that sometimes the person most in need of help is someone with whom you might be at odds. Will you offer help anyway?

Why do you think Jesus responded with this parable, instead of merely giving the command to love? When have you seen a “good Samaritan” in action? What impact did that person’s actions have?

Who is your “neighbor?" How will you be a “good Samaritan” to someone this week? Is there someone with whom you’ve had a misunderstanding who is in need of assistance? What can you do to offer assistance or make amends? What will you do to learn more about people who are different from you, people you might have misunderstood? Pray: Lord, just as Jesus humbled himself when he came to earth, grant me the humility to be a “good Samaritan” this week.