Bible Study - LUKE: Neighbors
- What is something God has done for you that you are thankful for or are celebrating? What evidences of his goodness and grace have you seen since our last meeting?
- Where are you experiencing stress or anxiety? Where would you like to see God move in your life or in the life of someone close to you? Take some time to pray together as a group.
- What did you hear in this week’s sermon that was new or particularly interesting? Did anything stand out to you as puzzling or troubling?
- Read Luke 10:25-37 aloud. In this passage, a Jewish lawyer (expert in the OT law) questions Jesus. Initially, the lawyer wants to know who is my neighbor? Jesus proceeds to reframe the question. The words of Jesus have more to do with being a neighbor to someone, than simply knowing whom to love (and not love). What does the lawyer’s question reveal about his heart? What does it reveal about our own hearts?
- Jesus intentionally makes the Samaritan the hero of the story. Verses 33-35 show us how the Samaritan loved the man who was beaten down and left for dead. In addition, Chris mentioned that love is a verb. Consider these questions about loving others:
- What do you notice about the Samaritan’s actions? How do his actions challenge you to love?
- Is there anybody you see right now in need that you’re tempted to move away from? How can you “neighbor” them and move toward them?
- The Gospel of John records these words of Jesus: “A new command I give you: Love one another. As I have loved you, so you must love one another. By this everyone will know that you are my disciples, if you love one another” (Jn 13:34-35). Why is this kind of love (Gospel love) so counter-cultural?
- Chris referenced Titus 3:5-8. This passage reminds us that even when we fail to love God and love others, the mercy of God has been secured for us through the blood of Jesus and the renewal of the Holy Spirit. This really is Good News for all of us! What can we learn from this passage?
- What simple next step could you take in obedience to what you’ve learned from this passage?