Scripture Reference
Luke 10:25-37
Open in Prayer
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Message Recap
Jesus answered the question, “Who is my neighbor?” with this well-known parable, and he would have offended every ear within the sound of his voice with the answer.
When the lawyer in the parable asked who his neighbor was, he was hoping Jesus would justify his desire to love those who were easy to love, the ones he chose to surround himself with. But Jesus’s response does the exact opposite and now obligates the man to love and serve his enemy—everyone is now his neighbor.
The Good Samaritan is the devoutly Jewish college student who invited a white nationalist to Shabbat dinner… repeatedly. It’s the Honduran migrant mother who crossed the American border into Texas, serving the staunchly conservative, anti-immigration American woman.
It’s much easier to serve those like us or even those just a few degrees from our comfort zone. But engaging with those who, if we are honest with ourselves, make us uncomfortable, is downright difficult. And yet, it is in the difficulty that we have the opportunity to shed the parts of us that stand in the way of becoming more like Jesus.
Discussion Questions
In your opinion, what does it mean to love your neighbor in today’s context? Who do you find it hardest to consider your neighbor these days?
Why is it easier to serve those who are similar to us? What are some specific examples from your life where this has been true?
How have you seen love for the marginalized transform communities or individuals? What stories come to mind?
Imagine how the people in this parable were feeling? How can discomfort serve as a catalyst for spiritual growth and becoming more like Jesus? Can you share a personal experience?
What vision do you have for how our group can engage with those we might typically overlook? Is there someone in our group who has passion for loving their neighbor and could start a new serving small group?
Live it out
What practical steps can you take to reach out to someone outside your comfort zone? How can our group support each other in this?
Close In Prayer
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