Important Note: We hope to add a note taking feature to this site in the future. In the meantime, please copy the notes below and either email them to yourself or save them to your device.

Live. Die. Repeat. (Luke 10.25-37)
Hear and Obey (Arise Reads the Gospel According to Luke)

Big Idea: Following Jesus means showing unexpected mercy to those in need.

The Set Up

  • An expert in the Law asks Jesus, “What must I do to inherit eternal life?”
  • Jesus points him toward the two greatest commandments: Love God and love your neighbor. (Deuteronomy 6.5; Leviticus 19.18)
  • But the lawyer wants to justify himself, so he asks another question: “And who is my neighbor?” (Luke 10.29)
  • Like the lawyer, we often know we're supposed to love people—but then make excuses about who deserves our love.

The Parable

  • “A man was going down from Jerusalem to Jericho, when he was attacked by robbers.” (Luke 10.30 NIV)
  • A priest and a Levite see him—but pass by without helping. We don't know why they refuse to help. We only know that they fail to show the love and compassion they should.
  • “But a Samaritan, as he traveled, came where the man was; and when he saw him, he took pity on him.” (Luke 10.33 NIV)
  • The Samaritan is the unexpected hero—someone the original audience would have viewed as an outsider or enemy. He doesn't just stop to help. He bandages the man's wounds, transports him to safety, and pays for his continued care. The Samaritan shows extraordinary mercy to someone who can offer him nothing in return.

The Takeaway

  • “Which of these three do you think was a neighbor to the man who fell into the hands of robbers?” “The one who had mercy on him.” Jesus told him, “Go and do likewise.” (Luke 10.36–37 NIV)
  • Jesus changes the question from “Who is my neighbor?” to “Am I being a neighbor?” Loving our neighbors means showing compassion, mercy, and care to anyone we encounter who is in need. There are no limits to whom we should show unexpected mercy.

Apply

  • Who are you actually living like? The priest? The Levite? The Samaritan?
  • Hear and obey. Go and do likewise.

Suggested Resources

For Reflection

  • How does today’s message resonate with you?
  • What questions does this message raise for you?
  • What actions does this message encourage you to take?
  • How can you dig deeper into today’s message?

Remember: Jesus loves you right where you are, but He loves you too much to leave you there.

 

Talk to Someone Take Your Next Steps