Bible Study

Who can tell me our SuperVerse from memory?

You shall love your neighbor as yourself.”

Leviticus 19:18b

Jesus was asked a question by an expert in the Jewish law. The expert was probably looking for a “loophole” in this verse so he did not have to show love or respect to people he didn’t like very much. Jesus answered the man’s question with a story. Let’s see what Jesus told him.

Have children look up Luke 10:25–37. Divide up the verses and have the children read the passage aloud. Lead a discussion using the questions below. Feel free to add any questions that you think will facilitate deeper discussion with your particular group.

²⁵One day an expert in religious law stood up to test Jesus by asking Him this question: “Teacher, what should I do to inherit eternal life?” ²⁶Jesus replied, “What does the law of Moses say? How do you read it?” ²⁷The man answered, “‘You must love the Lord your God with all your heart, all your soul, all your strength, and all your mind.’ And, ‘Love your neighbor as yourself.’” ²⁸“Right!” Jesus told him. “Do this and you will live!” ²⁹The man wanted to justify his actions, so he asked Jesus, “And who is my neighbor?” ³⁰Jesus replied with a story: “A Jewish man was traveling from Jerusalem down to Jericho, and he was attacked by bandits. They stripped him of his clothes, beat him up, and left him half dead beside the road. ³¹“By chance a priest came along. But when he saw the man lying there, he crossed to the other side of the road and passed him by.³²A Temple assistant walked over and looked at him lying there, but he also passed by on the other side. ³³“Then a despised Samaritan came along, and when he saw the man, he felt compassion for him. ³⁴Going over to him, the Samaritan soothed his wounds with olive oil and wine and bandaged them. Then he put the man on his own donkey and took him to an inn, where he took care of him.³⁵ The next day he handed the innkeeper two silver coins, telling him, ‘Take care of this man. If his bill runs higher than this, I’ll pay you the next time I’m here.’ ³⁶“Now which of these three would you say was a neighbor to the man who was attacked by bandits?” Jesus asked. ³⁷The man replied, “The one who showed him mercy.” Then Jesus said, “Yes, now go and do the same.”

1. In verse 28, what does Jesus’ response tell us about the importance of loving God and others? The most important things we can do. If we do this, we will live.
2. What happened to the Jewish man? Attacked, robbed, left to die on the side of the road.
3. In verse 31, who was the first person to see the Jewish man; what was his reaction and what did he do? He was a Jewish priest, crossed the road, and passed by him.
4. Why is this a surprising and troubling response? Both are Jews, this is a priest who serves God! He did not have compassion.
5. In verse 32, who was the second person to see the wounded man? A temple assistant, Levite.
6. Did he help him? No, he saw him and crossed to the other side, too!
7. Did he follow our SuperTruth; why or why not?
8. Key point again—this was a Levite who worked closely with the priests in the temple.
9. Consider the two Jewish men’s response. What does this say about simply going to church and professing that you love God? We must love God and others. More than words or speaking, it is putting into action, showing God’s love. Hearing and doing!
10. In verse 33, why is it important to know the third man was a Samaritan? Samaritans were hated and looked down upon by the Jews. Prejudice between the two. They were avoided.
11. What did the Samaritan do; did he pass by like the others? No, he cared for him and showed compassion.
12. Looking at verse 36, in your own words, who would you say is our neighbor?