The Parable of the Good Samaritan

Dear friends,

Last night, I missed an urgent email from a friend in Tokyo. I hurried up to respond to her this morning! It so happened that she had to return home to care for his sick father due to unforeseen circumstances, leaving her husband and two young children in Hawaii. I met her in ukulele class about two years ago and she does not have family here in Hawaii. She asked if I could pick up her children from school today as her husband has an important meeting at work. I am so glad she asked and it worked out! I have met her children several times and they were shy and not comfortable with English. Today, I noticed their English has definitely improved and they are more confident in casual conversation. I was going to treat them to McDonald's ice cream after picking them up, but they preferred Starbucks matcha latte instead. It shows you how comfortable they are! It brings joy to help a friend in need. Today's study teaches us to be a neighbor by making other people's problems our problems like how Jesus treated our sin problem as if his sin problem.

Today's Video: Parable of the Good Samaritan Devo (by Jamin Roller)

Today's Scripture: Luke 10: 15-37

Reflection

When you think of a “good Samaritan,” what comes to mind? What qualities would you say characterize this type of person?

How does the parable of the good Samaritan show God’s expectation for us to love everyone, including those who are very different from us?

Conclusion

Jesus makes it clear that his followers are meant to be known by a distinct love for God and others—not a love that seeks only to care for those we find lovable.

Withholding love from someone by judging them for their differences is not the way we show love for our neighbors. Loving those around us requires putting away differences and putting others before ourselves.

Challenge

Think of someone whom you can focus on loving this week who is distinctly different from you. What could it look like for you to love him/her as Jesus loves, entering their struggles and being a neighbor to him/her. This could be someone at work, someone you are married to, someone you are parenting, someone you are friends with, or someone at church.

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