DEEPER LIFE CHURCH SEARCH THE SCRIPTURE BIBLE STUDY FOR FEBRUARY 17, 2024 : TOPIC – THE PARABLE OF THE GOOD SAMARITAN
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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.