The Narrow Way

Luke 10:25-37

Opening Question:

Have you ever been in a dangerous situation? If so, was there someone who helped you?

Context:

The Samaritan deemed good in this story was historically viewed negatively by Jews; not only this particular Samaritan, but all Samaritans. Samaritans and Jews did not associate with one another.

Discussion Questions:

1. What is the opening question that leads us into this familiar story? What does the lawyer want to know? How does Jesus respond?

2. Give voice to each of the characters of the parable. What excuses might be given by the Priest and Levite for not stopping to help? What excuses do we give instead of helping others? How do these excuses hold up when facing the man in the ditch?

3. What do we know about the man attacked and robbed?

4. How is “neighbor” defined in this parable? What lines do we draw in defining our own “neighborhoods”? Is there a “type” of person you would be hesitant to help?

5. What does it look like to be in the ditch? What matters to you most when you are in need, desperate for help? Does class, status, race, gender, ideological stance, etc. matter then? Is there a “type” of person from whom you would refuse help?

6. What risks are you willing to take to love a neighbor? How far are you willing to go out of concern for another?

Take Home Questions:

How would life be different if we lived with a genuine concern for others at the heart of our being? What if instead of asking the question, “What will happen to me if I stop and help?” we ask “What will happen to them if I don’t help?” Martin Luther King Jr. in his book Strength to Love, says, “True neighborliness requires personal concern. The Samaritan used his hands to bind up the wounds of the robbed man’s body, and he also released an overflowing love to bind up the wounds of his broken spirit.” Expressions of compassion go beyond obligation to an “unenforceable” willingness to help a fellow human being.

Fill in the blank with any descriptive word that opens up your understanding of this phrase and challenges your own limiting views of neighbor:

Love your _____________ neighbor.

GROW Guide February 21, 2021