This week, our children will be learning about the parable of The Good Samaritan (Luke 10:25-37). Coupled with this lesson is our character trait MERCY. We want to offer a quick summary of the lesson and the themes that will be touched on in the Bible lessons in the hopes that there will be opportunities to dive deeper with your children into the words of God.
Jesus tells this story in response to a question from an expert in the Law of Moses. We read in Luke, that the expert asked Jesus how to inherit eternal life. When Jesus asked the expert what the Law said he responded, “You shall love the Lord your God with all your heart, soul, strength, and mind. And love your neighbor as yourself.” Jesus affirmed his answer, but the expert pushed a little further. This did not satisfy the expert, he wanted to prove himself in front of Jesus. So he asks a second question, “Who is my neighbor?”
In typical fashion, Jesus tells those gathered a story. In the story a man is beaten and robbed. A priest and a Levite pass the man by and ignore him. Then a Samaritan comes along and helps the man, takes him to a boarding house, pays for his care, and promises to return to make good on any other expenses incurred for his care. There is a lot in the story that can be considered.
But the point we want to look at is how Jesus defines a neighbor and how mercy is important to his definition. The expert asked, “Who is my neighbor?” Jesus doesn’t answer that question because it is the wrong question. He responds to the expert after his story with another question, “Who proved to be a neighbor to the man in need?” The expert wanted a standard to categorize others as neighbors and not neighbors. His focus was outward: How can others become my neighbor? Jesus flips the question around because the focus should not be outward but inward: How can I be a neighbor?
The expert points to the mercy shown to the man in need. Jesus affirms his assessment and tells him to do likewise. Showing kindness to another without regard for superficial demands is the defining mark of a neighbor. It comes from a heart that truly desires what is best for another and will go above and beyond what is asked to offer kindness.
Ask your children how they showed kindness to others? Encourage them to show kindness to those who may not be their friends. Most importantly, give them an example of mercy that has no barriers, but shows kindness to all.
Memory Verse: Luke 6:36
Be merciful, even as your Father is merciful.
