ACTS: A Way to Live
Tuesday, March 22
ACTS: A Way to Live
The Gospel of Luke—Lent 2022
Read Luke 10:25-37
Focus Verses—Luke 10: 36-37
(Jesus asked), “Which of these three do you think was a neighbor to the man who fell into the hands of robbers?” The expert in the law replied, “The one who had mercy on him.” Jesus told him, “Go and do likewise.”
ACTion for Reflection: The Good Samaritan
The Parable of the Good Samaritan is filled with many lessons! It teaches us about true mercy, love and compassion being lived out. It is about a Jewish traveler who is stripped of his clothes, beaten, and left half dead on the side of the road. First a Jewish priest and then a Levite religious man comes by, but both avoid the man. Finally, a Samaritan comes upon the traveler on the side of the road. Although Samaritans and Jews despised each other, the Samaritan’s heart went out to the injured man and helped him. Jesus tells the parable in response to the question from a lawyer, "And who is my neighbor?" The conclusion is that the neighbor figure in the parable is the one who shows mercy to the injured man, the Samaritan.
The parable of the Good Samaritan illustrates how we “love our neighbors as ourselves.” When other people need our help, like the injured man on the road, is when our love for “neighbor” is truly tested. Jesus tells us to be like the Good Samaritan, helping others in times of need (regardless of their race, ethnicity, religion, financial status, gender, etc.), and not like the Priest and Levite who ignored their neighbor.
ACTion to Live Out: Show mercy; and love your neighbor as yourself
An idea for today is to think of someone who may have crossed you in the past. Maybe they said something that hurt your feelings or did something despiteful to a family member, or maybe they lied to you or stole from you, etc. Today, pray for that person and consider reaching out and saying or doing something nice for them, something they would least expect.
What is one thing that stood out to you as you read through the Parable of the Good Samaritan? Did something resonate with you or did the Holy Spirit move you in any way?
Dear Lord Jesus,
Thank you for teaching us how to live! After we daily reflect on your life-giving words, help us to then, through your Spirit, get up and ACT. Give us hearts of compassion, hands of generosity, and feet that take your good news to the world. What an honor it is to be your image bearer. Amen.
Audio of Luke 10: https://youtu.be/KvpfLmwduEQ