WHO IS MY NEIGHBOR?

The Good Samaritan Luke (10:25–37)

Intro

Mr. Rogers, Who are the People in your Neighborhood

“Neighbors are people who live close to each other. Neighbors look at each other; they talk to each other; they listen to each other. That’s how they get to know each other”.

The Story of the Good Samaritan is probably one of the Bible's most well-known stories. 

Examples of Good Samaritan Laws from Around the World

Belgium

The Belgian Good Samaritan Law imposes on anyone who is capable to aid a legal duty to help a person, who is in great danger, without putting himself or others in serious danger (article 422bis Criminal Code)

Canada

In Canada, good Samaritan acts fall under provincial jurisdiction. Each province has its own act

An example of a typical Canadian law is provided here, from Ontario's Good Samaritan Act, 2001, section 2:

Protection from liability

2. (1) Despite the rules of common law, a person described in subsection (2) who voluntarily and without reasonable expectation of compensation or reward provides the services described in that subsection is not liable for damages that result from the person's negligence in acting or failing to act while providing the services, unless it is established that the damages were caused by the gross negligence of the person. 2001, c. 2, s. 2 (1)

Finland

The Finnish Rescue Act explicitly stipulates a duty to rescue as a "general duty to act" and "engage in rescue activities according to [one's] abilities". The Finnish Rescue Act thus includes a principle of proportionality which requires professionals to extend immediate aid further than laypersons.

The Finnish Criminal Code[21] stipulates:

Section 15 – Neglect of rescue (578/1995)

A person who knows that another is in mortal danger or serious danger to his or her health, and does not give or procure such assistance that in view of his or her options and the nature of the situation can reasonably be expected, shall be sentenced for neglect of rescue to a fine or to imprisonment for at most six months.

France

In France, the law requires anyone to assist a person in danger or at the very least call for help. People who help are not liable for damages except if the damages are intentional or caused by a "strong" mistake.

Germany

In Germany, failure to provide first aid to a person in need is punishable under § 323c of its criminal penal code. However, any help one provides cannot and will not be prosecuted even if it made the situation worse or did not fulfill specific first aid criteria. People are thus encouraged to help in any way possible, even if the attempt is not successful.  Moreover, people providing first aid are covered by the German Statutory Accident Insurance in case they suffer injury, losses, or damages.

Israel

In Israel, the law requires anyone to assist a person in danger or at the very least call for help. People who help in good faith are not liable for damages. Helpers are eligible for compensation for damages caused to them during their assistance.

Ireland

The Civil Law (Miscellaneous Provisions) Act of 2011, introduced legislation specifically addressing the liability of citizen good Samaritans or volunteers in the Republic of Ireland, without introducing a duty to intervene. This act provides for exemption from liability for a person, or voluntary organization, for anything done while providing "assistance, advice or care" to a person who is injured, in serious risk or danger of becoming injured or developing an illness (or apparently so). There are exclusions for cases of "bad faith" or "gross negligence" on behalf of the carer, and incidents relating to the negligent use of motor vehicles. This Act only addresses situations where there is no duty of care owed by the good Samaritan or the volunteer.

A.      The occasion for the parable (10:25–29): Jesus is challenged by a Jewish lawyer.

1.      Question (10:25–26): “What must I do to receive eternal life?”

2.      Answer (10:27–28): “ ‘Love the Lord your God with all your heart, all your soul, all your strength, and all your mind.’ And, ‘Love your neighbor as yourself.’ ”

3.      Question (10:29): “Who is my neighbor?”

Lev 19:1-2; 9-17

· Dt 23:7-8

· Ex 12:48-49

B.      The overview of the parable (10:30–35)

1.      The trip (10:30a): A man is going from Jerusalem to Jericho.

2.      The trouble (10:30b): He is attacked by some robbers who take his money, beat him, and leave him for dead.

3.      The test (10:31–35): God permits three men to pass his way, testing their compassion in helping one in need.

a.       The two who fail the test (10:31–32): Both the priest and Levite walk on, not wanting to get involved.

b.      The one who passes the test (10:33–35): The Samaritan stops, binds the victim's wounds, (Using his own expensive resources carries him to an inn, and pays his room and board while he recovers.

Expound upon the Actions

THE BIG IDEA

Who Is My Neighbor? Anyone I Can Help!