It’s easy to ask, “Who is my neighbor?” But Jesus flips the question and tells a story that is not just a lesson—it’s a mirror. When we behold the compassion of Christ, we’re invited to embody that same love. Compassion isn’t just a feeling—it’s love in action.
REVIEW: Compassion Stops.
- READ: Luke 10:30-33 — “Jesus took up the question and said, “A man was going down from Jerusalem to Jericho and fell into the hands of robbers. They stripped him, beat him up, and fled, leaving him half dead. A priest happened to be going down that road. When he saw him, he passed by on the other side. In the same way, a Levite, when he arrived at the place and saw him, passed by on the other side. But a Samaritan on his journey came up to him, and when he saw the man, he had compassion.
- DISCUSS: Where is God inviting you to slow down so that love can interrupt your routine?
REVIEW: Compassion Sees.
- READ: Luke 10:34 — “He went over to him and bandaged his wounds, pouring on olive oil and wine. Then he put him on his own animal, brought him to an inn, and took care of him.”
- DISCUSS: Whose need has God placed in front of you—and how might He be forming your heart through seeing them?
REVIEW: Compassion Sacrifices.
- READ: Luke 10:35 — “The next day he took out two denarii, gave them to the innkeeper, and said, ‘Take care of him. When I come back I’ll reimburse you for whatever extra you spend.’”
- DISCUSS: What comfort or resource might the Spirit be asking you to surrender so that love becomes more than a good intention?
REVIEW: Gospel Reflection.
- READ: Romans 5:6-8 — For while we were still helpless, at the right time, Christ died for the ungodly. For rarely will someone die for a just person—though for a good person perhaps someone might even dare to die. But God proves his own love for us in that while we were still sinners, Christ died for us.
- DISCUSS: How does seeing yourself as the wounded traveler deepen your gratitude for Jesus and reshape how you love others?
ASK:
What else did you get from this week's sermon? What actions or next steps can you take to apply it to your life?
PRAY:
Jesus, You didn’t pass us by. When we were broken, You came close. You crossed heaven and earth to show us mercy. Forgive us for the times we’ve let our comfort or convenience stop us from loving others. Give us eyes to see, hearts to feel, and courage to act. Let Your compassion shape us and move us to be neighbors like You. In Your name, Amen.
INVITATION TO RESPOND:
This week, take one intentional step to live out the compassion of Jesus:
- Pause to Notice: Slow down your day and ask, “Who needs my time and attention today?”
- Practice Hospitality: Invite someone to your table who might be walking alone.
- Give Generously: Set aside time or money to meet a need God brings to your attention.
- Join a Serve Team: Get involved in showing mercy in your church or community.
- Reflect on His Mercy: Write about a time Jesus showed you compassion when no one else did.
Jesus didn’t just tell a story—He lived it.
Who will you cross the road for this week?