The Strangers on the RoadSample

Where We're Going

Throughout His ministry journey, Jesus often used short stories, known as parables, to communicate His heart for humanity. One of the most famous of these stories is found in Luke 10:25-37, commonly referred to as “The Parable of the Good Samaritan.” This story is told shortly after the return of 72 of Jesus’ followers, whom He had sent out in pairs to proclaim His message.

Amid the excitement over the miracles they had witnessed, Jesus engages in a conversation that leads to a brief story featuring seven unnamed individuals:

#1) The Lawyer (Luke 10:25-29 & 36-37)

#2) The Man (Luke 10:30)

#3) The Robbers (Luke 10:30)

#4) The Priest (Luke 10:31)

#5) The Levite (Luke 10:32)

#6) The Samaritan (Luke 10:33-35)

#7) The Innkeeper (Luke 10:35)

During this seven-day Bible study, we’re going to take a closer look at each of these characters and seek to answer three questions:

1) What Do We Know About The Stranger?

2) How Does The Stranger Point To Jesus?

3) How Do These Answers Impact Us?

When this story is discussed today, the conversation is often exclusively focused on the good deeds of the Samaritan. However, if we take a closer look at the seven strangers we encounter on the road, it becomes clear that Jesus's life, death, and resurrection are revealed in every detail of this famous story!

The Lawyer On The Road

What Do We Know About The Lawyer?

Even though the lawyer isn’t technically part of the story Jesus tells, he is the one who asks the question that launches it. Throughout his conversation with Jesus, it’s clear that he is skeptical, intelligent, and defensive. His skepticism is evident in his desire to test Jesus, and his intelligence is on full display through his knowledge of God’s law, as he quotes Deuteronomy 6:5. When Jesus emphasizes the importance of extending love to our neighbors, the lawyer sought to defend himself by questioning who exactly Jesus considers to be his neighbor.

How Does The Lawyer Point To Jesus?

While we’re unsure about the specific job responsibilities of this lawyer, it’s likely that he either 1) focused on theologically defending God’s law or 2) literally defended people on trial. In the second scenario, a lawyer’s job is to represent their client, advocating for them before the judge. 1 John 2:1 describes Jesus in this way: “My little children, I am writing these things to you so that you may not sin. But if anyone does sin, we have an advocate with the Father, Jesus Christ the righteous.” In the courtroom of heaven, Jesus advocates for us before His Father, the judge. Despite our sins, we are viewed as innocent because Jesus endured the punishment we deserved on the cross! If the lawyer’s job focused more on defending God’s law, Jesus fulfills this mission, as He is fulfilling God’s law (Matt. 5:17)!

How Do These Answers Impact Us?

Despite our doubts, knowledge, and insecurities, Jesus promises to advocate on our behalf if we simply place our faith and trust in Him!

Big Idea:

A lawyer’s job is to represent their client, advocating for them before the judge. Despite our doubts, knowledge, and insecurities, Jesus promises to advocate on our behalf if we simply place our faith and trust in Him!

Let's Think About This

Question #1: What is one thing that “jumped out” to you while reading Luke 10:25-29 & 36-37?

Question #2: Can you relate to the lawyer? Have you ever doubted God or been defensive about a decision you’ve made?

Question #3: Why is it important to understand that Jesus is our advocate with the Father? How does this give us hope when we fail?