The Good Samaritan

The Kingdom Displayed: The Good Samaritan - Main Reading Luke 10:25-37 Key: The one who had mercy is the neighbour. Read James 3:13-17 ? If the Samaritan in the Parable had followed 'earthly wisdom' what could have been an alternative ending to the famous parable? Back to Luke: ? What was the motive for this expert's question to JESUS? Luke 10:25 ? What seems surprising about the way the LORD answers him and why? ? When it comes to helping people with their questions, what basic principle/s can we learn from the way that JESUS helps this man? See also James 1:19-20 Back to Luke 10:29-37 The genius of the parable results in the religious lawyer answering his own question! By doing it this way, the LORD has avoided the traps [e.g. politics of the day], but turned a hypothetical question into a very practical one. ? Share observations about how the LORD does this. Read Romans 7:7-13 ? How does the way that the LORD used the Law with the lawyer, tie up with what Paul experienced? [Another 'expert in the law'!] We don't have time to go into it, but it is worth noting that the LORD varies HIS teaching 'technique' to individuals and as to whether they are sincere or trying to test HIM. [The Apostles do this too.] Worth a study in your own time. See Luke 10:33 Practical Word Studies in The New Testament: Pity / Compassion; to be moved inwardly; to yearn with tender mercy, affection, pity, and empathy. Pity arises from the very depth of a person's affections. It is the deepest movement of emotions possible, being touched with the deepest feelings possible. ? List some reasons why citizens of the Kingdom of Heaven should be merciful & compassionate people. See also Matthew 5:7, 9:36; Luke 6:36 ? How can we revive or refresh our pity & compassion for people? ? Personal reflection: Have we drifted from helping people with compassion and mercy to duty and routine; how can we guard ourselves from drifting? Prayer time: