SECTION 1 = 7 mins

3 MINS >> REFLECTION

INHERIT

The lawyer asks Jesus what he must do to inherit eternal life. The word “inherit” seems to be, both, a metaphor and a reality. It’s a metaphor that helps explain a divine concept. It’s a reality because we can become heirs eligible to inherit eternal life. We can become children of God. Some passages include language about being “adopted” as children of God. One Biblical passage (John 3:1-8) says that we must be “born again” or “born from above” to see and enter the kingdom of God. The familiar John 3:16 says that whoever “believes” in Jesus will have eternal life. Following are a few more passages on this topic (all are NRSVUE translations).

When we cry, “Abba! Father!” it is that very Spirit bearing witness with our spirit that we are children of God, and if children, then heirs: heirs of God and joint heirs with Christ, if we in fact suffer with him so that we may also be glorified with him.(Romans 8:15-17)

But when the fullness of time had come, God sent his Son, born of a woman, born under the law, in order to redeem those who were under the law, so that we might receive adoption as children. And because you are children, God has sent the Spirit of his Son into our hearts, crying, “Abba! Father!” (Galatians 4:4-6)

He destined us for adoption as his children through Jesus Christ, according to the good pleasure of his will, to the praise of his glorious grace that he freely bestowed on us in the Beloved.(Ephesians 1:5-6)

In former generations this mystery was not made known to humankind, as it has now been revealed to his holy apostles and prophets by the Spirit: that is, the gentiles have become fellow heirs, members of the same body, and sharers in the promise in Christ Jesus through the gospel.(Ephesians 3:5-6)

Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ! By his great mercy he has given us a new birth into a living hope through the resurrection of Jesus Christ from the dead and into an inheritance that is imperishable, undefiled, and unfading, kept in heaven for you, who are being protected by the power of God through faith for a salvation ready to be revealed in the last time. (1 Peter 1:3-5)

To become adopted heirs, children of God, we must be born again (from above) by grace through faith (i.e., by believing).

Love, which is central to the Old and New Covenants, forms a kinship between us and God. As children of God, we become related through God as Father. Interestingly, Jesus teaches us that we are neighbors too. Relationships in God’s kingdom and within God’s covenant are based on love. In John 14:15, Jesus says, “If you love me, you will keep my commandments.” Love is integral and it’s non-negotiable. Through love, we become family and neighbors. Through love and faith, we can inherit eternal life.

4 mins >> Discussion Questions + Prompts

Discuss the reflection reading above.

SECTION 2 = 8 mins

3 MINS >> read luke 10:25-37 (NRSV shown below)

Just then a lawyer stood up to test Jesus. 

“Teacher,” he said, “what must I do to inherit eternal life?” 

He said to him,

“What is written in the law? What do you read there?” 

He answered,

“You shall love the Lord your God with all your heart, and with all your soul, and with all your strength, and with all your mind; and your neighbor as yourself.” 

And he said to him,

“You have given the right answer; do this, and you will live.”

But wanting to justify himself, he asked Jesus,

“And who is my neighbor?” 

Jesus replied,

“A man was going down from Jerusalem to Jericho, and fell into the hands of robbers, who stripped him, beat him, and went away, leaving him half dead. Now by chance a priest was going down that road; and when he saw him, he passed by on the other side. So likewise a Levite, when he came to the place and saw him, passed by on the other side. 

But a Samaritan while traveling came near him; and when he saw him, he was moved with pity. He went to him and bandaged his wounds, having poured oil and wine on them. Then he put him on his own animal, brought him to an inn, and took care of him. The next day he took out two denarii, gave them to the innkeeper, and said,

‘Take care of him; and when I come back, I will repay you whatever more you spend.’ 

Which of these three, do you think, was a neighbor to the man who fell into the hands of the robbers?”

He said,

“The one who showed him mercy.”

Jesus said to him,

“Go and do likewise.”

5 mins >> Discussion Questions + Prompts

• How are the words of Jesus forming a New Covenant?

• What part of Luke 10:25-37 would be considered new?

SECTION 3 = 12 mins

6 mins >> Watch BIBLE PROJECT’s Eternal Life

6 mins >> Discussion Questions + Prompts

• Share your thoughts about the video.

• How do the lessons from the video relate to Luke 10:25-37?

SECTION 4 = 10 mins

5 MINS >> ReaD Beck’s THe ManY Metaphors of salvation

5 MINS >> Discussion Questions & Prompts

• Share your thoughts about the list in the article.

• Which metaphors resonate most with you?

SECTION 5 = 15 mins

10 mins >> CREATIVE WRITING

• Compose a character sketch about the priest or the Levite. The links provide some basic info. Take the first few minutes to read about one of them. In your character sketch, include a few words about their backstory, personality traits, relationships, or typical routines. List what their values, beliefs, hopes, fears, & motivations might have been.

5 mins >> Discussion Questions + Prompts

• Share some insights from your character sketches.

• How does the character sketch help you understand the Good Samaritan story?

SECTION 6 = 8 mins

7 mins >> Discussion Questions & Prompts

• How do you see yourself as a child of God?

• Take a moment to write down your answer.

1 min >> Prayer & DISMISSAL

Lord, Help us to be children of God. Amen.