Scripture Basis: Luke 10:25-37, NIV
One day a man approached Jesus with a big question: “Teacher, what must I do to inherit eternal life?”
Jesus responded with another question: “What is written in the Law? How do you read it?”
The man answered, “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.”
Jesus said, “You have answered correctly. Do this, and you will live.”
But the man, wanting to justify himself, asked, “And who is my neighbor?”
In reply, Jesus told a story.
A man was traveling from Jerusalem to Jericho, a dangerous journey through rocky, desolate areas where robbers often hid. As he walked, a group of thieves attacked him. They stole everything he had, beat him badly, and left him lying on the road, hurt and unable to move. The man was in desperate need of help.
Soon a priest came walking down the road. The priest worked in God’s temple, leading worship and teaching people about God. Surely he would help! But when he saw the injured man, the priest crossed to the other side of the road and hurried past, pretending not to notice. Perhaps he was afraid the robbers were still nearby, or maybe he didn’t want to get his hands dirty. Whatever his reasons, he chose not to stop.
Later a Levite came along. Levites also worked in the temple, helping with important duties. Like the priest, you might expect the Levite to offer assistance. But when he saw the man lying there, he too crossed to the other side and kept walking. The injured man remained alone and helpless.
Finally a Samaritan came by. Samaritans and Jewish people didn’t get along; in fact, they often avoided each other completely. No one would have expected a Samaritan to help a Jewish man. But when the Samaritan saw the injured man, he felt deep compassion. He didn’t think about the differences between them or the potential danger. Instead, he acted.
The Samaritan went to the injured man and gently cleaned his wounds with oil and wine, using what he had to prevent infection. Then he tore strips of cloth to bandage the man’s injuries. After that, he lifted the man onto his own donkey, walking beside him as they traveled to an inn. The Samaritan stayed with the man through the night, caring for him.
The next day the Samaritan gave the innkeeper enough money to cover several days’ expenses. He told the innkeeper, “Take care of him. If you spend more than this, I’ll reimburse you when I come back.”
When Jesus finished the story, He asked the man who had questioned Him, “Which of these three do you think was a neighbor to the man who fell into the hands of robbers?”
The man replied, “The one who showed mercy.”
Jesus said, “Go and do likewise.”
The good Samaritan didn’t let fear or prejudice stop him from helping someone in need. You too can be like the Samaritan! Whether it’s sharing your toys, including someone who feels left out, or offering a kind word, small acts of kindness can make a big difference. When you help others, you reflect God’s love and bring His light into the world—and that’s witnessing!
Something to Think About
Who is a “neighbor” in your life you can help, even if they seem different from you?
