A Good Samaritan
(Luke 10:29~37)

An expert in the law came to Jesus to test Him and asked what he must do to inherit eternal life. Jesus asked him what is written in the Law and he replied, “Love God and love your neighbor as yourself.” Then, Jesus replied, “You have answered correctly. Do this and you will live.” The expert in the law asked again, “Who is my neighbor?” Jesus told him a parable instead of directly answering his question.

1. Love and law

1) A man was going down from Jerusalem to Jericho when he fell into the hands of robbers. He was beaten by the robbers, leaving him half dead. A priest saw the man while he was going down the road. Even when he saw the man dying, he passed by on the other side. A legalistic religion has no love. (Luke 10:31)
2) A few moments later, a Levite discovered the man while was going down the road. When he saw the man, he also passed by on the other side. A religion geared toward rituals has no love. (Col. 2:14~16)

2. Jesus as a Good Samaritan

1) A Samaritan, as he traveled, saw the man who fell into the hands of robbers and took pity on him. He went to him and bandaged his wounds, pouring on oil and wine. Then he put the man on his own donkey, took him to an inn and took care of him. (1 John 2:27)
2) Like this Good Samaritan, Jesus has saved us who were dying due to sin. He has saved us through His death, carrying our sins on behalf of us. (Heb. 9:12)

3. A church as the inn in the world

1) We who have received salvation must become a church that heals the world. (Matt. 4:23)
2) Jesus has promised that He will repay us when He returns. (Matt 10:42)

Conclusion
Jesus has saved us who were dying due to sin. As the debtors who have received God’s boundless grace and love, we must approach and become good neighbors to those who are suffering. Just as Jesus took pity on us, we must take care of, lend a helping hand to, and share things with our surrounding neighbors in trouble. Then, when Jesus returns, He will richly reward us for all our labors and devotion.