20250713_Sermon_the_Good_Samaritan.docx

of the Sermon**

In this sermon, we explored the Parable of the Good Samaritan, not as a simple lesson in kindness, but as a radical call to compassion, justice, and action. We examined the context in which Jesus told this story—amidst tension, division, and questions about the true meaning of faith. By looking closely at each character in the parable, we discovered that Jesus challenges us to move beyond self-focused religion and legalism, to embody a love that is costly, boundary-breaking, and deeply tied to justice. The parable is not just about helping individuals in need, but about confronting the systems that leave people suffering in the first place. Ultimately, Jesus calls us to be neighbors who refuse to look away, to accept love in our vulnerability, and to build a world that reflects God’s radical hospitality and justice.

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Key Takeaways

• 1. Faith Beyond Self-Interest: The Expert in the Law reminds us that faith is not about securing our own salvation or following rules for personal gain. Jesus redirects our focus from “How do I get to heaven?” to “How do I live fully and justly right now?” True faith is measured by how we love God and neighbor in the present, not by our spiritual scorecard.
• 2. The Cost of Compassion: The Samaritan’s actions show that real compassion is inconvenient and risky. It requires us to cross boundaries, bear costs, and sometimes face criticism from our own communities. Compassion is not just a feeling but a courageous commitment to act, even when it means standing alone or being misunderstood.
• 3. Vulnerability as a Gift: The wounded traveler teaches us that our moments of need and vulnerability are not shameful, but opportunities for others to draw near to God through acts of mercy. When we allow ourselves to be helped, we offer others the blessing of compassion and remind ourselves that we are not meant to be self-sufficient. Accepting love is as important as giving it.
• 4. Calling Out Injustice: Jesus’ critique of the Priest and Levite is a challenge to religious and social leaders who preach compassion but avoid the suffering around them. Following Jesus means not only helping individuals, but also confronting the systems and structures that perpetuate injustice. Silence in the face of oppression is not an option for those who follow Christ.
• 5. Radical Hospitality and Boundless Love: The parable ultimately paints a vision of God’s kingdom where love crosses every line—ethnic, religious, and social. We are called to be neighbors to all, even those we might consider enemies or outsiders. This kind of love refuses to look away, insists on inclusion, and builds a community where everyone is seen, valued, and cared for.

1. In the parable, what question does the Expert in the Law ask Jesus, and how does Jesus respond?
2. What actions do the Priest and the Levite take when they see the wounded traveler? What does the text say about how they avoid him?
3. What specific things does the Samaritan do for the injured man that go beyond basic help?
4. At the end of the story, how does Jesus challenge the Expert in the Law—and us—about what it means to be a neighbor?

1. Why does Jesus redirect the Expert in the Law’s question from “How do I inherit eternal life?” to “How do I live?” What does this shift say about the focus of faith?
2. The sermon describes the compassion of the Samaritan as “costly” and “risky.” What are some reasons it might have been difficult or dangerous for the Samaritan to help?
3. The Priest and Levite are religious leaders who “pass by on the other side.” What might Jesus be saying about religious people or leaders who avoid suffering or injustice?
4. The sermon says that the wounded traveler’s vulnerability is a gift. How can being in need or accepting help be a blessing to others?

1. The sermon challenges us to move beyond “self-focused religion.” Are there ways you tend to focus on your own spiritual “scorecard” or comfort instead of loving your neighbor? What would it look like to shift your focus this week?
2. Compassion is described as inconvenient and sometimes risky. Can you think of a recent situation where you felt called to help someone, but it would have cost you time, money, or reputation? What did you do, and what might you do differently next time?
3. The parable calls us to confront not just individual needs, but also the systems that leave people suffering. Are there injustices or needs in your community that you tend to “pass by on the other side”? What is one small step you could take to get involved?
4. The sermon says that accepting help is as important as giving it. Is it hard for you to let others help you? Why or why not? How might letting others care for you be a way of building community and sharing God’s love?
5. Jesus’ story crosses boundaries of ethnicity, religion, and social status. Is there a group or person you find it hard to see as your “neighbor”? What would it look like to practice radical hospitality toward them?
6. The sermon mentions that silence in the face of oppression is not an option for followers of Jesus. Have you ever felt tempted to stay silent about injustice? What would it look like to speak up or act, even if it’s uncomfortable?
7. The Samaritan may have faced criticism from his own community for helping a Jew. Have you ever risked misunderstanding or criticism for doing what you believed was right? How did you handle it, and what did you learn?