Opening
Before reading the text, think about the story of the good Samaritan. What do you know about it? How would you explain it to someone who has never heard of it? What is the main message of the story?
Questions
Read Luke 10:25–37. What stands out that you haven’t seen before? Who is Jesus telling this story to?
1. Why do you think Jesus made a Samaritan (who were enemies with the Jews) the hero of this story? Why would he answer the lawyer’s question with a story?
2. Compare the priest and the Levite with the Samaritan. What different emotions and actions did they display?
3. Who are you tempted to “pass by on the other side” when you see them? Who is in need that you need to remain open to serving?
4. What fears, assumptions, or concerns keep us from opening our hands to serve and care for others? How can we overcome this?
5. According to Jesus, what is the most important takeaway from this story?