Parables - The Good Samaritan

The Parable of the Good Samaritan

Text: Luke 10.25-37

Thesis: To learn who our neighbor is so that we may show mercy to him/her.

Introduction:

(1)    This parable is one of the more well-known of the parables.

(a)    Hospitals have been named after this parable (e.g., Good Samaritan Hospital).

(b)    “Good Samaritan” laws have been passed to encourage passers-by to help those in need.

(2)    The background to the parable:

(a)    A lawyer stood up to “test” Jesus (Luke 10.25).

1)      “Teacher, what shall I do to inherit eternal life?”

2)      Jesus responds with a question to point the man back to the Law.

3)      The man responds: 1) Love God; 2) Love Neighbor

(b)    Then he wanted to justify himself and asked: “Who is my neighbor?”

Discussion:

I.                   The Thieves: The Iron Rule of Life (What is Thine is Mine)

A.    The man was traveling from Jerusalem to Jericho on a dangerous road known as “The Way of Blood” (about 20 miles).

B.     Robbers strip him of his clothes and left him for dead.

II.                The Priest and Levite: The Silver Rule of Life (What is Thine is Thine and What is Mine is Mine)

A.    Both of these were of the religious elite in Israel at that time.

B.     “That’s your problem.”

III.             The Samaritan: The Golden Rule of Life (What is Mine is Thine)

A.    A Samaritan was despised by the Jews (cf. John 4.9).

B.     He goes out of his to show mercy and compassion.

Conclusion:

(1)    Matt. 7.12 – J.C. Penney

(2)    Jesus epitomizes the “good Samaritan.”