The Church Has Left the BuildingSample

The parable of the Good Samaritan reveals to us the discrepancies between our flawed condition and the possibilities available for humanity found in the greatest commandment. We are told to love God with all our heart, soul, and mind, and to love our neighbor as ourselves. The man in Luke 10 asks the question “Who is my neighbor?” prompting Jesus to teach. The Priest and the Levite, passed a man who was broken down, without regard for his condition. They saw him, yet did not act on his behalf. The Priest and the Levite got the doctrine part right, but the love part wrong; they walked right passed and avoided the beaten man altogether. The Samaritan, a man of a different race, got the “love part” right, even if his doctrine was wrong, when he stopped to help the man in need. This Samaritan illustrates that love is not a feeling, but it is an action. The answer to “Who is my neighbor?” is the one who showed mercy.  

Questions:

1. How can you be a good neighbor to people who look different from you? In what ways can you extend mercy to others?