The Good Samaritan Lesson 1 Series

A. THE PARABLE OF THE GOOD SAMARITAN - LUKE 10:25-37

1. Lawyer:

a. One who interpreted the Old Testament law to people.

b. His purpose was to trip up Jesus.

c. “What shall I do to inherit eternal life?” (Luke 10:25).

d. Jesus’ response was used by Jewish leaders, “What is your reading of it?” (v. 26).

2. The Great Commandment. “You shall love the Lord your God with all your heart, with all your soul, with all your strength, and with all your mind, and your neighbor as yourself’” (v. 27).

3. Place.

a. Jerusalem, the presence of God.

b. Jericho, the city of curses (Joshua 6:26).

c. The road was known as “the pass of blood.”

4. Personalities. “ They trusted in themselves that they were righteous, and despised others” (Luke 18:9).

a. Priest – been serving in the temple by prayers and offerings for self and others.

b. Levite – same tribe as priest, but not called. Jesus included them to rebuke heartless, compassionless religion.

5. Samaritan. A half-blooded Jews, “no dealings.” The only one who befriended the needy.

a. He cared.

b. He had compassion.

c. He bound up his wounds.

d. He sat him on his donkey.

e. He brought him to the inn.

f. He guaranteed care.

6. The question: “which of the three were neighborly?” (v. 36).

7. The answer: not “who is my neighbor?” but “Go and do likewise?” (v. 37). Am I unneighborly?

B. TEN PRACTICAL LESSONS

1. Opportunity. You never know when you meet/see a person in need/trouble that you can help or meet his/her need.

2. Do not rely/trust in your religion if it cannot/will not move you with compassion/help for the needy.

3. Vision is important when it comes to living the Christian life. You must see God, see your need and how you must give, but vision that does not see others and move you to help them is not biblical vision from God.

4. We will find opportunities/challenges to serve God as we go out on daily duties.

5. Part of our sacrifice for Christ is when we give up on time, energy, and resources to help others in need.

6. As we go through life, we can/will miss opportunities to serve God if we do not see the need of others through the eyes of Christ.

7. When we stop to help others in need it will cost us time, energy, purpose, and giving up things we were doing.

8. Jesus will see the good deeds you do for the needy, and command you to, “go and do the same” (Luke 10:37, NLT).

9. Helping others is the beginning of a good deed, you must follow up. “He handed the innkeeper two silver coins … ‘if his bill runs higher than this, I’ll pay you the next time I’m here’” (Luke 10:35).

10. Helping the needy is more than considerate, it is obedience to Christ who said, “go and do the same” (v. 37).

If you have never really accepted Jesus as your personal Savior, would you do it right now? Do not delay or put it off. If you would like to receive Christ by faith, pray this simple prayer in your heart:

Dear Lord, I acknowledge that I am a sinner. I believe Jesus died for my sins on the cross, and rose again the third day. I repent of my sins. By faith I receive the Lord Jesus as my Savior. You promised to save me, and I believe You, because You are God and cannot lie. I believe right now that the Lord Jesus is my personal Savior, and that all my sins are forgiven through His precious blood. I thank You, dear Lord, for saving me. In Jesus’ name, Amen.

If you prayed that prayer, God heard you and saved you. I personally want to welcome you to the family of God and rejoice with you.

Dr. Towns’ email is eltowns@liberty.edu.

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