Devotional – Good Samaritan

Devotional

Big picture We each will be known by our actions

• Q: In the parable, how badly did the robbers hurt the man going to Jericho? (near death/half dead)
• The man was dying, in obviously very bad condition. Anyone could see he needed help, immediately.
• Q: Who saved the injured man? (the good Samaritan)
• Q: Who didn't help the injured man? (a priest, and a Levite)
• Q: What are some things the good Samaritan did to save the man?
  • He recognized the situation--the man needed help. (He was alert and aware of his surroundings. He didn’t have his nose in a video game or texting).
  • He took pity on the man. (His conscience would not let him neglect the man)
  • He chose to help the man (He could have chosen to ignore and not get involved, but he made the godly choice, he did the right thing, he had mercy)
  • He knew what to do!
• This parable is a fictional story that Jesus made up to make a point about who is your neighbor. But, like all parables it is filled amazing truth. Indeed, it’s very likely, as you get older, one of you will come upon a real-life situation very similar to this parable where someone needs help.
• Today, you learned some first aid skills to be able to help others.
• But if you choose not to act (like the priest and the Levite) it doesn’t matter how much you learn.
• We will be known by our good actions (like the Samaritan) or our bad actions (like the priest/Levite).
• Make sure your actions reflect what you believe to be true.
• Q: Did the priest and Levite’s actions reflect their beliefs? Yes & No. Anyone listening to the parable would have presumed they were going to help, but their actions showed their wicked hearts.
• If you say you love Jesus, you will care for others because this is what He instructed His followers to do.