YOUTH STS LESSON 103

THE PARABLE OF THE GOOD SAMARITAN

MEMORY VERSE: “And he said, he that shewed mercy on him. Then said. Jesus unto him, go,
and do thou likewise” (Luke 10:37).

TEXT: Luke 10:25-42

Our text reveals thee response given by Jesus to a certain Lawyer (scribe) who came, willing to justify
himself, by Asking the question: “And who is my neighbor?” (verse 29). Jesus Christ told him a
parable, commonly called the “The Parable of the Good Samaritan” which is peculiar to Luke’s
gospel. Though he asked an important question, he Had an evil motive. The way Jesus answered him
and the Illustration show us how God, in His wisdom, can bring Something good out of that which
seems to be evil. He emphasized the importance of showing love and kindness to All, irrespective of
tribe, race, denomination, academic background, etc. However, some do not value the significance of
asking Questions, while others are afraid of doing so. Many youths in the church today, out of
curiosity ask tempting questions. Some ask foolish and unlearned questions that stir up Debate and
strife. We are to avoid such questions. When in Doubt, we can seek counsel from Spirit-filled and
mature leaders (1 Kings 12:5-14,16).

Question l: What should be our motive in asking questions in the church today?

1. SCRIPTURAL PATTERN FOR ANSWERING QUESTIONS

Luke 1025-28; 1 Kings 10:1; Matthew 22:15-22, 35-40. 46. Mark 9.9-13: 1 Peter 3:15; 2 Timothy 2:23;
Titus 3:9 Mark 10:17-22

A peculiar characteristic of Christ's teaching ministry while on earth was the ample time He gave to
answering different kinds of questions from people. Many of the deep truths and revelations He gave
were in response to questions, asked either by His disciples or others, In Our text, the lawyer asked
Him two questions: “Master, what shall I do to inherit eternal life” and “who is my neighbor?”
These were meant to tempt or ensnare Jesus but the way He dealt with them and other variety of
questions asked by other people show us how we can handle questions and answers.

Question 2: What can we learn from Christ's response to questions?

We have lessons to learn and they include: One, we must answer all questions by using Scriptures.
Jesus referred the lawyer to the Scriptures. Two, we should not allow the question and answer to
bring about debate, argument or unhealthy competition of knowledge. Three, we must aim at leading
the seeker to faith, obedience, deeper convictions and commitment to the truth of God's word. “What
shall I do to inherit eternal life”, Jesus referred him to “What is written in the law? How readest
thou?”. The lawyer answered by quoting Deuteronomy 6:5 and Leviticus 19:18 which were a creed
among the Jews. Though the scribe had knowledge of the creed, he was not saved. He approached
Jesus with a bad aim. The desire to have eternal life should be the greatest: ambition of every youth.
The young man in Mark 10:17-22 even ran to Christ demanding what to do in order to inherit eternal
life. But when counselled on how to go about it, he became grieved and sorrowful. Many youths know
the Scriptures like the lawyer, but are not saved. They go for fellowship with bad motives and are not
ready to repent of their sins. When taught the truth, they are offended and repulsive. To have eternal
life, every sinful boy and girl should acknowledge his or her sins, repent of them, confess and forsake
them, and believe in the atoning sacrifice of Christ Jesus. When one is genuinely saved, he will love
the Lora with all his heart, soul and mind including his neighbors This is, therefore, the requirement
for eternal life.

Question 3: What should every sinful youth do to have Eternal life?

2. SINCERE PROOF OF GODLY AFFECTIONS

Luke 10:29. 35; John 13:34,35; Philippians 2:4; 1 Timothy 1:5; James 2:14-16; 1 Peter 1:22; 1 John
3:17,18

The parable of the Good Samaritan was designed to Answer the question: “who is my neighbor?” In
the story, Jesus did not describe the Samaritan as good but because of His deed he was qualified as
the Good Samaritan. There are Evidences of lack of genuine love and natural affection in our
Fellowship today. Many youths in our churches, fellowship, Schools, streets and communities are
suffering without care. The virtue manifested by this Samaritan should be evident in The conduct of
every godly youth. Our neighbors are not Only those who live with us in the same house or those who
Attend the same church or school. Anyone, regardless of the Tribe or religion, who needs our help, is
our neighbor.

Question 4: Who is your neighbor?

Jesus illustrated a man in need of help. “And by chance There came down a certain priest that
way: and when he Saw him, he passed by on the other side. And likewise a Levite, when he
was at the place, came and looked on Him, and passed by on the other side” (Luke 10:31,32).
After the robbers had departed, two highly religious people (a Priest and a Levite) came by chance,
one after the other: Along that same way, and saw the wounded, dying man but Offered no assistance.
Probably, these men had excuses why they couldn’t help the needy, half-dead man. They would have
acted on their “religious convictions”. We should not allow our church schedule to replace the act
of charity and care. As the Samaritan came along the same way, he saw the victim and had
compassion on him. He performed commendable deeds of kindness. He altered his plans, postponed
his paid unplanned expenses in a bid to show love to a needy one. Samaritan was not acting based
on race, religion or tribe but because compassion. The Samaritan showed the sacrificial love which
the religious Jews failed to show. The love he manifested was not passive but active.

Question 5: Mention some lessons learnt from the parable of the Good Samaritan.

Showing genuine love that will attract Christ's commendation is not cheap, but sacrificial. We are
called to serve one another with love. However, we should be discreet and sensitive to the leading of
the Holy Spirit.

Question 6: State the practical ways of showing genuine love to our neighbors.

Some of the practical ways of showing love and compassion include preaching to sinners, helping the
sick, sharing our substance with those who are in need, visiting the new converts and the oppressed,
encouraging those who are persecuted, comforting the bereaved, teaching those who have problems
in some subjects before examination, praying with those who are troubled, assisting the elderly ones,
running godly errands, helping a nursing mother clean the home, washing clothes or cars, etc.

3. SAINTS PRIORITY OF LOVE FOR OUR NEIGHBOUR

Luke 10: 36-42; John 13:15; 15:12, 13; 1 Corinthians 13:1- 8, Philippians 2:5; 1 John 2:6; John 5:39;
Job 23:12; Psalm 119:128: Joshua 1:8

In concluding the story, Jesus asked the lawyer the question “Which now of these three, thinkest
thou, was neighbor to him that fell among the thieves? And he said, He that shewed mercy
on him. Then said Jesus unto him, Go, and do thou likewise” (Luke 10:36,37). Though the
religious leader refused to mention the Samaritan specifically but sail, “he that shewed mercy on
him", Jesus, who knew his thoughts commanded him to "Go, and do thou likewise”. What Jesus
told him, He is still saying to everyone today. He commands us to love the Lord our God with all our
hearts, soul, time, talents; and our neighbors as ourselves. Jesus teaches us that anyone that needs
our Mercy and kindness is our neighbor. The love of God we are commanded to manifest should be
to suffer long, bear with the shortcomings of others, forgive, endure pains and bear loss for the gain
of others. Such unfailing love that is ready to sacrifice is what we need in our fellowship, today. “Now
it came to pass, as they went, that he entered into a certain village: and a certain woman
named Martha received him into her house”, He met with “Mary, which also sat at Jesus' feet,
and heard his word” (verse 39). While she listened to Jesus' words, the sister, “Martha was
cumbered about with much serving”. Martha came to Jesus to demand that He rebuke Mary and
command her to assist in domestic chores. Jesus replied, “Martha, Martha, thou art troubled
about many things: But one thing is needful and Mary hath chosen that good part, which
shall not be taken away from her” (verses 41,42). Earthly pursuits like preparing for
examinations, seeking admission, acquiring a certificate, should not be seen as barriers to reading
and meditating upon God's word. We should not stay away from fellowship or regular quiet time and
family devotion because of secular engagements. Mary's desire and pursuit was Commended by
Christ. We are to “seek first the kingdom of God and his righteousness; and all these shall be
added unto (us)” (Matthew 6:33). But this should not be an excuse for refusing to assist parents
and guardians at home. We should strike a balance.