Comments: Who was a neighbor?

The parable of the Good Samaritan (Luke 10 v. 25-37), is one of the most provocative of Jesus' teachings. In it, He wraps together two profound concepts – the one He was being tested on (loving one's neighbor as oneself)—and one the He championed in His own ministry (loving one's enemies).

Both of these concepts are incredibly challenging in our me-first, self absorbed age. Culturally, we receive literally thousands of messages during our lifetimes that encourage us to "do your own thing," or to "get all you can," or to "watch out for number one."

The greatest challenges of living as a follower of Jesus today are embedded right in the story of the Good Samaritan. It is as if the divine Spirit is asking us, "how are you doing at loving your neighbor?" And, "how are you doing at loving your enemies?"

If we truly wish, as Jesus said, to hear His words and put them into practice, these are questions worth pondering.

Assignments:

For this assignment, we want to understand as clearly as possible the parable of the Good Samaritan, and apply its lessons to our own lives.

Using the Bible study tools on your course Resource page, your Questia.com materials, and your bibles, please respond to the following:

1.) Who were the Samaritans? As He was telling the story, Jesus drew His audience's attention very pointedly to the rescuer's identity as a Samaritan. It was a highly controversial thing to say, given the animosity of most Jews toward the Samaritans. It was, in effect, like using the most offensive racial, ethnic, and religious slurs, all rolled into one.

Please develop a short (1-3 page) report on the Samaritans. Who were they? What was their history? Why did they have such poor relationships with the Jews?

2.) Rewrite the parable of the Good Samaritan in modern terms, using the "Samaritans" in your own life. Think carefully about your own principles, beliefs, and prejudices. Who in your life represents the "Samaritan." Can you imagine a "Samaritan" treating you as a neighbor? Would you treat one of your "Samaritans" as a neighbor?

3.) Case study. Please develop a short (1-2 page) analysis of the following case study:

After living in his apartment complex for a month, William learns about Michael, a full-blown AIDS patient who lives one building over. Later he notices that Michael often roves through the complex late at night. Michael looks like a ghost, very emaciated, with a ghastly pallor. It looks like he hasn't bathed in months. One night, as William is taking out the garbage, Michael steps out of the shadows and addresses him. In a faint voice, he tells William that he is no longer strong enough to administer his own HIV medication via hypodermic needle. Without the medication, he will surely die. The local hospital will not perform such mundane services and he cannot afford medical help.

William considers his options:

He could provide Michael with the name of a local AIDS counselor;
He could offer to take Michael to a local clinic and pay for the injection;
He could give Michael the injection himself;

Discuss William's options in light of scripture. What are the pros and cons of each option? Which options are most scriptural? Are there other options William has not yet considered?

If William was your best friend, what would you advise him to do, and why?

What would you do, and why?

If you looked up and noticed Jesus watching your conversation with William, how would that change your response, and why?