LESSON 9

60 MINS

SECTION 1 = 5 mins

3 MINs >> REFLECTION

CONNECTION

The seventeen-mile road between Jerusalem and Jericho is a small section of a world created by God that’s around 25,000 miles in circumference. When Luke 10 was written, the road was a rocky, dusty, sandy stretch of earth shaped by hoof and foot. The route dropped over a mile in elevation through the Judean wilderness. Jericho was east of Jerusalem and 800 feet below sea level. There were valleys and canyons along the way. Some places along this path were notoriously remote. Thieves would hide and ambush travelers. Somewhere along this road the Samaritan stopped to help a half-dead person who had been robbed, stripped, and beaten.

It’s not clear whether the incident happens on the outskirts of Jerusalem or Jericho, or somewhere nearer the middle. Regardless, the priest and the Levite seem to be disconnected as they pass by the injured person. Connections and disconnections happen with people all the time at home, at work, at school, at church, in the community, and the many places in between. To connect or to stay connected takes time and effort. We have to want to connect with someone. We also have to overcome some fears.

Roads, like the one between Jerusalem and Jericho, connect people and places. Communities and neighborhoods are connected by roads, sidewalks, paths, and trails. Love connects us to other people as we travel from place to place. Love keeps us connected. Love is not confined to a church or home. Love can happen anywhere, anytime. The traveling Samaritan and the helpless victim find themselves in the same place at the same time. Their paths cross. Through love, compassion and mercy, they become neighbors.

In the beginning, man was made from the dust of the world and life was breathed into him. We are God’s creation. We are walking on God’s creation. We are made in the image of God. We are connected by our Creator. We are earthly neighbors.

2 mins >> Discussion Questions + Prompts

Discuss the reflection reading above.

SECTION 2 = 10 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.”

7 mins >> Discussion Questions + Prompts

  • Discuss a difficult road you have walked, a memorable journey on foot, a hike, etc.

  • When have you felt like a stranger in a foreign land?

SECTION 3 = 11 mins

6 mins >> Watch ON THE ROAD TO JERICHO

5 mins >> Discussion Questions + Prompts

  • Share your thoughts about the video.

  • How does seeing the video help you envision the story of the Good Samaritan?

SECTION 4 = 11 mins

6 MINS >> Read THE KING CENTER’s NONVIOLENCE365

5 MINS >> Discussion Questions & Prompts

  • Share your thoughts about the concepts from the King Center website.

  • How do they relate to Luke 10:25-37?

SECTION 5 = 15 mins

10 mins >> Lectio Divina

Find a quiet place. Write down your answers for each step.

1. LECTIO >> 3 mins >> Read silently the verses from Luke 10:25-37. What word/phrase stands out?

2. MEDITATIO >> 2 mins >> Meditate & reflect on the word/phrase. Is there anything going on within you or in your life that is related to this word?

3. ORATIO >> 3 mins >> Bring the word/phrase into conversation with God. Listen. Is God saying anything to you?

4. CONTEMPLATIO >> 2 mins >> Empty yourself & rest in God’s presence. Be still. Is God revealing anything to you?

Once you’ve finished all 4 steps, complete the Discussion Questions + Prompts below.

5 mins >> Discussion Questions + Prompts

  • What word or phrase stood out to you?

  • Describe something you learned or experienced.

SECTION 6 = 8 mins

7 mins >> Discussion Questions & Prompts

  • Discuss how you, personally, love God with all your heart, soul, mind, & strength.

  • Take a moment to write down your answer.

1 min >> Prayer & DISMISSAL

  • Lord, Bring us together as neighbors. Amen.