Scripture Reading: Luke 6:35–36

Introduction

A. The parable of the good Samaritan is both charming and inspiring from anyone’s point of view.

B. Here Jesus explains the true meaning of loving one’s neighbor.

Discussion

I. We learn that eternal life is found exclusively in God’s word.

A. Jesus indicated that it could even be found in the Law of Moses (Luke 10:26–27).

B. It is possible, nevertheless, to misread God’s law (Luke 10:26), which taught the child of Israel to love even the stranger as He loved Himself (Leviticus 19:34).

C. When I redefine the terms in God’s word to justify myself (Luke 10:29), I do so to my own destruction (2 Peter 3:16).

II. God wants us to have compassion for one another.

A. Luke portrays Jesus to the Greek world as a powerful God of great love and compassion (Luke 7:11–17, 36–50; 9:51–62; 15:11–32; 17:11–19; 22:49–51; 23:39–44).

B. It was compassion that distinguished the Samaritan in the parable from the priest and the Levite (Luke 10:31–33).

C. It is never wrong to have compassion, even if it is not repaid or even duly appreciated (Hebrews 5:2; Luke 6:27–38).

Conclusion

A. Jesus had compassion on the bereaved (Luke 7:13), the neglected (Matthew 9:36), the sick (Matthew 14:14), and the lost (Luke 19:10).

B. Do we have the compassion for these that we should, or do we choose to “pass by on the other side”?