Bible Studies

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The Gospels
Luke 10:25-37 – Knowing God
Key Verses: (NRSV)

• 25: “Just then a lawyer stood up to test Jesus, ‘Teacher,’ he said, ‘what must I do to inherit eternal life?’” – Notice that it is usually the experts in law and debate who step forward to challenge Jesus.
  
  
• 27: “He answered, ‘You shall love the Lord your God with all your heart, and with all your soul, and with all your strength, and with all your mind; and your neighbor as yourself.’” – The lawyer gave the answer to his own question.
  
  
• 28: “And He said to him, ‘You have given the right answer; do this, and you will live.’” – Jesus reaffirms that the secret to life is love.
  
  
• 29: “But wanting to justify himself, he asked Jesus, ‘And who is my neighbor?’” – The lawyer shows that he understands the most challenging aspect to these commandments.
  
  
• 30-36: “Jesus replied, ‘A man was going down from Jerusalem to Jericho, and fell into the hands of robbers… ³³But a Samaritan while traveling came near him; and when he saw him he was moved with pity… ³⁶Which of these three, do you think, was a neighbor to the man who fell into the hands of the robbers?” – The story of the Good Samaritan candidly reveals the attitudes that we all have a tendency to adopt in similar situations.
  
  
• 37: “He said, ‘The one who showed him mercy.’ Jesus said to him, ‘Go and do likewise.’” – Break down the barriers that keep you from doing what is just, good, kind, and merciful.
  

Points to Contemplate:

• Do you know all the answers? In your Bible study classes or small groups, are you able to quickly provide the correct answers to the questions that are posed? Are you so familiar with the lessons of Jesus, that you can stand up like the lawyer and recite scripture and verse precisely and accurately? Does your mind close down when you hear a familiar Bible story like the Good Samaritan with thoughts like – ‘Oh, I know that one?’ What do you gain from doing this? The lawyer knew the answers yet he was still asking questions. Are you asking questions without allowing the truth to enter your heart? Do you possess the knowledge of God but lack the heart for God? Do you believe in God but find that you still do not know God personally?
  
  
• Who is your neighbor? Do you love him? Do you find it easy to justify your lack of love? Are you too busy? Are there many other neighbors to love and maybe you can overlook just one or two? Does it feel risky to love? The man in this parable was wounded and robbed. He was in desperate need. Who in desperate need has God put into your pathway? How should you respond? Are you ready to show mercy to those in need? Are you a Good Samaritan? Can you “go and do likewise?”
  
  
• What are you doing to inherit eternal life? Are you satisfied that your belief and faith in Jesus Christ is all you need? Is your salvation secured? Or is Jesus teaching that God wants more from you than simple belief? Do recognize the importance of following the two Great Commandments – loving God and your neighbor? Are these commandments possible pathways to knowing God? If you feel you are lacking a personal relationship with God, if you can’t hear His still small voice or feel the presence of the Holy Spirit guiding your every action, is it possible that a failure in these commandments is the cause? Can you open your heart today to the Parable of the Good Samaritan and begin taking steps along the pathway that will lead you to a close and intimate relationship with God?
  

Promises of the Gospel:

The parable of the Good Samaritan is one of the most well-known stories in the Bible. Its guiding principal seems so clear and concise. It is a children’s story with a message as simple as “Jesus loves me.” And yet, it could be just the issue that keeps most people from growing close and intimate relationships with God. As Christians we have come to recognize that a belief in Jesus Christ is step towards salvation. But God wants more from us that simple belief. He wants our love, our compassion, and our good works. The Good Samaritan shows how compassion is put to use in the world. When asked about inheriting eternal life, Jesus responded that we know the answer. Now it is time to “go and do likewise” and as we do we will find ourselves immersed in an intimate relationship with God.

FUMC Devotionals

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