Redefining Neighbor: Lessons from the Good Samaritan

Summary

### Summary

Good morning, everyone. Today, we embark on a new series titled "Once Upon a Time," focusing on the parables of Jesus. These stories, though seemingly simple, are deeply layered and complex, much like a jewel with multiple facets. As we explore these parables, we aim to understand them from different angles, including the perspective of the first-century listeners who heard them without the knowledge of Jesus' death and resurrection.

We naturally interpret the Bible from our own context, but it’s crucial to consider how the original audience would have understood these stories. For instance, the parable of the Good Samaritan, which we examined today, is often seen through the lens of our modern understanding of good deeds and humanitarian aid. However, the original Jewish audience would have had a very different reaction, especially given the cultural animosity between Jews and Samaritans.

The parable begins with a lawyer testing Jesus with a question about inheriting eternal life. Jesus responds by turning the question back to the lawyer, who correctly cites the commandments to love God and love one's neighbor. However, seeking to justify himself, the lawyer asks, "Who is my neighbor?" Jesus then tells the story of a man beaten and left for dead, ignored by a priest and a Levite, but helped by a Samaritan. This unexpected twist challenges the lawyer's—and our—preconceptions about who deserves our compassion and aid.

The parable teaches that loving our neighbor means more than just performing a single good deed; it requires ongoing, sacrificial care. It also sets an impossibly high standard, highlighting our need for Jesus' righteousness. The story calls us to examine our own actions and attitudes, urging us to love others as we love ourselves, regardless of their background or our prejudices.

### Key Takeaways

1. The Complexity of Parables: Parables are like multifaceted jewels, offering different insights depending on the angle from which they are viewed. This complexity requires us to continually revisit and re-examine these stories to uncover deeper meanings. [34:47]

2. Context Matters: Understanding the original context of the parables is crucial. The first-century Jewish audience would have heard the parable of the Good Samaritan very differently than we do today, especially given the cultural tensions between Jews and Samaritans. [37:06]

3. The True Neighbor: The parable challenges us to redefine who our neighbor is. It’s not just those who are like us or whom we find easy to love, but anyone in need, even those we might consider enemies. This radical inclusivity is at the heart of Jesus' teaching. [54:11]

4. Sacrificial Love: Loving our neighbor as ourselves involves ongoing, sacrificial care, not just a one-time act of kindness. The Samaritan's actions—using his own resources and ensuring the man's continued care—illustrate the depth of this commitment. [56:00]

5. Impossibly High Standards: The parable sets a standard of love and compassion that is humanly impossible to achieve consistently. This highlights our need for Jesus' righteousness and the transformative power of the Gospel in our lives. [56:31]

### YouTube Chapters

[0:00] - Welcome
[34:47] - Introduction to Parables
[35:26] - The Jewel Analogy
[36:12] - Contextual Reading of the Bible
[37:06] - First-Century Perspective
[38:06] - The U.S. Constitution Analogy
[39:37] - Purpose of Parables
[40:11] - The Good Samaritan
[42:21] - The Lawyer's Question
[44:04] - Testing Jesus
[45:54] - The Wrong Question
[46:34] - Eternal Life as a Gift
[47:16] - The Torah and Eternal Life
[48:44] - Rabbi Akiva's Teaching
[49:02] - Genesis and the First Murder
[49:57] - Who is My Neighbor?
[50:17] - Jesus Changes the Question
[51:02] - The Lawyer's Self-Justification
[51:46] - Loving Your Enemies
[52:06] - Receiving a Parable
[53:24] - The Story of David and Nathan
[53:39] - The Parable of the Good Samaritan
[54:11] - The True Neighbor
[55:10] - Jesus as the Good Samaritan
[56:00] - Sacrificial Love
[56:31] - Impossibly High Standards
[57:16] - The Victim's Identification
[57:50] - The Road from Jerusalem to Jericho
[58:34] - The Robbers
[59:07] - The Half-Dead Man
[59:54] - The Priest and the Levite
[01:00:22] - Jewish Law on Corpses
[01:01:04] - Saving a Life
[01:01:50] - Martin Luther King Jr.'s Insight
[01:02:34] - The Rule of Three
[01:03:36] - The Plot Twist
[01:05:19] - The Samaritan's Actions
[01:06:12] - Historical Context of Samaritans
[01:07:22] - Long-Term Care
[01:08:04] - Mercy as Active Compassion
[01:08:29] - Practical Theology
[01:09:07] - Application to Our Lives
[01:10:08] - Love God, Love Others
[01:10:51] - Call to Action
[01:11:35] - Closing Prayer

Study Guide

### Bible Reading

1. Luke 10:25-37 (The Parable of the Good Samaritan)
2. Ephesians 2:8-9 (Salvation as a Gift)
3. Matthew 5:43-44 (Love Your Enemies)

### Observation Questions

1. What question does the lawyer ask Jesus to test Him, and how does Jesus initially respond? ([42:21])
2. Who are the three individuals that encounter the beaten man on the road, and what are their reactions? ([43:11])
3. How does the Samaritan help the injured man, and what resources does he use? ([43:35])
4. What is the lawyer's final response to Jesus' question about who was a neighbor to the injured man? ([54:11])

### Interpretation Questions

1. Why does Jesus use a Samaritan as the hero in the parable, and what cultural significance does this have for the original Jewish audience? ([37:06])
2. How does the parable of the Good Samaritan redefine the concept of "neighbor" according to Jesus' teaching? ([54:11])
3. What does the parable suggest about the nature of sacrificial love and ongoing care for others? ([56:00])
4. How does the impossibly high standard set by the parable highlight our need for Jesus' righteousness? ([56:31])

### Application Questions

1. Reflect on a time when you saw someone in need but chose not to help. What were your reasons, and how might you respond differently in the future? ([59:54])
2. The sermon mentioned that loving our neighbor involves ongoing, sacrificial care. Identify a specific way you can provide ongoing support to someone in your community this week. ([56:00])
3. Jesus challenges us to love our enemies. Think of someone you find difficult to love. What practical steps can you take to show love and compassion to that person? ([51:46])
4. The lawyer sought to justify himself by asking, "Who is my neighbor?" Are there areas in your life where you seek to justify your actions rather than genuinely loving others? How can you change this mindset? ([51:02])
5. The sermon highlighted the importance of understanding the original context of the parables. How can you make an effort to understand the cultural and historical background of other Bible passages you read? ([37:06])
6. The parable sets a high standard for love and compassion. How can you rely on Jesus' righteousness and the transformative power of the Gospel to meet this standard in your daily life? ([56:31])
7. The sermon ended with a call to action: "Go and do likewise." What specific actions will you take this week to love your neighbor as yourself? ([10:51])

Devotional

Day 1: The Multifaceted Nature of Parables
Parables are like multifaceted jewels, offering different insights depending on the angle from which they are viewed. This complexity requires us to continually revisit and re-examine these stories to uncover deeper meanings. Parables are not just simple stories; they are rich with layers of meaning that can speak to us in different ways at different times in our lives. Each time we read a parable, we can discover new insights and applications for our spiritual journey.

The parable of the Good Samaritan, for example, can be seen as a lesson in compassion, a critique of religious hypocrisy, or a call to radical inclusivity. By approaching parables with an open heart and mind, we allow God to reveal deeper truths to us. This ongoing process of discovery helps us grow in our understanding of God's Word and His will for our lives. [34:47]

Proverbs 25:2 (ESV): "It is the glory of God to conceal things, but the glory of kings is to search things out."

Reflection: How can you approach the parables of Jesus with fresh eyes and an open heart this week? What new insights might God reveal to you?

Day 2: Understanding the Original Context
Understanding the original context of the parables is crucial. The first-century Jewish audience would have heard the parable of the Good Samaritan very differently than we do today, especially given the cultural tensions between Jews and Samaritans. To fully grasp the impact of Jesus' teachings, we must consider the historical and cultural background in which they were delivered.

For the original audience, the idea of a Samaritan being the hero of the story would have been shocking and challenging. This context helps us appreciate the radical nature of Jesus' message and the barriers He sought to break down. By studying the cultural and historical context of the parables, we can gain a deeper understanding of their significance and how they apply to our lives today. [37:06]

Nehemiah 4:1-2 (ESV): "Now when Sanballat heard that we were building the wall, he was angry and greatly enraged, and he jeered at the Jews. And he said in the presence of his brothers and of the army of Samaria, 'What are these feeble Jews doing? Will they restore it for themselves? Will they sacrifice? Will they finish up in a day? Will they revive the stones out of the heaps of rubbish, and burned ones at that?'"

Reflection: How does understanding the cultural and historical context of the parables change your perspective on their messages? What steps can you take to learn more about the original context of Jesus' teachings?

Day 3: Redefining Our Neighbor
The parable challenges us to redefine who our neighbor is. It’s not just those who are like us or whom we find easy to love, but anyone in need, even those we might consider enemies. This radical inclusivity is at the heart of Jesus' teaching. Jesus calls us to extend our love and compassion beyond our comfort zones and to see every person as deserving of our care and kindness.

In the parable of the Good Samaritan, the true neighbor is the one who shows mercy and compassion, regardless of social or cultural boundaries. This challenges us to examine our own prejudices and biases and to strive to love others as Jesus loves us. By embracing this radical inclusivity, we can become true neighbors to those around us and reflect the love of Christ in our actions. [54:11]

Leviticus 19:34 (ESV): "You shall treat the stranger who sojourns with you as the native among you, and you shall love him as yourself, for you were strangers in the land of Egypt: I am the Lord your God."

Reflection: Who in your life do you find difficult to love or consider an "enemy"? How can you show them the love and compassion that Jesus calls us to extend to all our neighbors?

Day 4: The Depth of Sacrificial Love
Loving our neighbor as ourselves involves ongoing, sacrificial care, not just a one-time act of kindness. The Samaritan's actions—using his own resources and ensuring the man's continued care—illustrate the depth of this commitment. True love requires us to go beyond mere gestures and to invest our time, energy, and resources in the well-being of others.

This kind of sacrificial love reflects the love that Jesus has for us. It calls us to put the needs of others before our own and to be willing to make personal sacrifices for their benefit. By following the example of the Good Samaritan, we can demonstrate the love of Christ in tangible ways and make a lasting impact on the lives of those around us. [56:00]

1 John 3:16-18 (ESV): "By this we know love, that he laid down his life for us, and we ought to lay down our lives for the brothers. But if anyone has the world's goods and sees his brother in need, yet closes his heart against him, how does God's love abide in him? Little children, let us not love in word or talk but in deed and in truth."

Reflection: What are some practical ways you can show ongoing, sacrificial love to those in need around you? How can you make a commitment to invest in the well-being of others?

Day 5: Recognizing Our Need for Jesus' Righteousness
The parable sets a standard of love and compassion that is humanly impossible to achieve consistently. This highlights our need for Jesus' righteousness and the transformative power of the Gospel in our lives. We are called to love others as Jesus loves us, but we often fall short of this ideal. Recognizing our limitations helps us to rely on God's grace and seek His strength to live out His commands.

Jesus' righteousness covers our shortcomings and empowers us to grow in love and compassion. By acknowledging our need for His help, we can experience the transformative power of the Gospel and become more like Christ in our actions and attitudes. This journey of transformation is ongoing, and it requires us to continually seek God's guidance and strength. [56:31]

Romans 3:22-24 (ESV): "The righteousness of God through faith in Jesus Christ for all who believe. For there is no distinction: for all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God, and are justified by his grace as a gift, through the redemption that is in Christ Jesus."

Reflection: In what areas of your life do you struggle to meet the standard of love and compassion set by Jesus? How can you rely on His righteousness and the power of the Gospel to grow in these areas?

Quotes

### Quotes for Outreach

1. "Throughout the world, especially in the Western context, European, North American, the term Good Samaritan is synonymous with good deeds, good actions. If you've ever heard of Samaritan's Purse, they are an interdenominational or non-denominational faith-based humanitarian group. They're huge. During his presidency, George W. Bush said that the United States was going to be the Good Samaritan to those nations on the side of the Jericho Road, which he just said that because he believed that his audience would understand the reference." [40:58]( | | )

2. "The idea of the Good Samaritan is this idea of aid and help. When you think about it, I don't think we could name it that now in our politically correct culture, because to say that there is a Good Samaritan is to imply that that Samaritan is the exception and all the other Samaritans are bad. And I don't know if anybody would be ready to do that, but yet that is how this story has been pitched because of the cultural undertones that the Jewish people felt towards the Samaritans, which we'll get to in just a few minutes." [41:45]( | | )

3. "The lawyer asks the question that cannot be answered. What must I do to inherit eternal life? The question implies or assumes that eternal life is a commodity to be inherited or purchased on the basis of a particular action rather than a gift that has been given. So Jesus responds, you know the law. How do you read it? What do you think you need to do? His point is not that keeping the law will get you to heaven. His point is to change the conversation." [46:34]( | | )

4. "Jesus says, do this and you will live. I don't know if you've noticed this, but Jesus has actually just changed the question. What must I do to inherit eternal life? And that's what the man asked. And Jesus says, do this and you will live. So the man says, how do I get there? And Jesus says, this is how you live here. This is how you interact here. This is how you love the Lord your God with all your heart, soul, mind and strength and love your neighbor as yourself." [50:17]( | | )

5. "So the questions we need to ask ourselves are who is our neighbor that we need to love? Who is the voiceless person or people group that we are called to give a voice to? And not just like a political voice I'm talking like actually give them the dignity of like food and clothing and sanitation and all those things. Think of like our work earlier with Pilgrim Feast what we were trying to do. What enemy needs my love? And am I willing to live in a way that brings God's kingdom and love to this earth?" [09:28]( | | )

### Quotes for Members

1. "When I open the Bible, I start from my context. I can't help it. That's just being human. And to do it otherwise, to think of it as maybe how another culture would see it, or how a different age demographic, or how somebody else, that changes things. Let me give you an example of what I mean. If you were in the Middle Ages, and you read Revelation, and you're the kingdom of the North, you're probably thinking like, if you go far enough back, well, that's got to be Rome. And if you go after that, then it's probably like, you know, somebody just north of you. And then I remember in the 90s, it was totally, the 80s and 90s, it was totally Soviet Russia, right? Like, it's, you read your Bible from the context that you're in. To do otherwise takes work." [36:12]( | | )

2. "So as we come to these stories, yes, Jesus is the promised Messiah who dies. He rises again. He is ascended to heaven. And he brings salvation to the world. They didn't know that yet. So we're going to kind of live in this tension of we know stuff they don't know. So what did they hear? And then more importantly, what should we hear as we encounter these stories? So for the next little while, we're going to be looking at a number of parables in no particular order, and we're definitely not covering all of them. But we're just going to take some and unpack them over the next little while and look at these stories." [38:55]( | | )

3. "The lawyer answers, to love the Lord Jesus, the Lord your God with all your heart, love your neighbor as yourself. And Jesus says, you answered correctly, do this and you will live. I don't know if you've noticed this, but Jesus has actually just changed the question. What must I do to inherit eternal life? And that's what the man asked. And Jesus says, do this and you will live. So the man says, how do I get there? And Jesus says, this is how you live here. This is how you interact here. This is how you love the Lord your God with all your heart, soul, mind and strength and love your neighbor as yourself." [50:17]( | | )

4. "So how could we look at this story? How could we interpret this? What are the different facets? Well, one way we could look at it is that the robbers are the world and sin and they're beating up the man and leaving him for dead and the priest and the Levite are religion and Judaism and they don't help the man. You could turn it slightly, it's still very similar but now it's more personal. Is, I am the man traveling, you are the man traveling and sin and the world beats us up and leaves us on the side of the road. And the priest and the Levite are religion and Judaism or whatever religion you come from and they don't help us. They aren't willing to get down in the dirt and help us. They say, clean yourself up but they won't come down. They're the one who comes and at great lengths and this is, I preach this sermon and it's actually really quite good. Jesus is the one who comes and at great cost to himself he continues to help us and fix us and save us when we could not help ourselves." [54:29]( | | )

5. "So the questions we need to ask ourselves are who is our neighbor that we need to love? Who is the voiceless person or people group that we are called to give a voice to? And not just like a political voice I'm talking like actually give them the dignity of like food and clothing and sanitation and all those things. Think of like our work earlier with Pilgrim Feast what we were trying to do. What enemy needs my love? And am I willing to live in a way that brings God's kingdom and love to this earth? I am called and you are called to love God with your whole heart your whole soul your whole mind and all your strength and to love your neighbor as yourself because I am my brother's keeper and you are your brother's keeper." [09:28]( | | )

Chatbot

Transcript

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