Luke 10.25-37 The Parable of the Good Samaritan 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 neighbour 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 neighbour?’ 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 travelling 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 neighbour 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.’ Today’s sermon and prayers were presented by our very talented older kids- The Alpha Squad. They told the story of the Good Samaritan 21st Century style. The injured man was left on the road by a Bishop and a police officer, before finally being helped by a young man with his hoodie up. We are all guilty of judging others by how they look, and this passage teaches us that we should treat others as we would wish to be treated, and show a little compassion. Pictures and prayers below.
Dear Lord…. In a troubled world, may we bring the light of your love to others. May we, even though people may try our patience sometimes, learn to accept them and love them like you love us. Lord, hear us and love us. Dear Lord…Allow us to see the world as you see it, feel the compassion you feel, and be a people whose lives reflect your love. You sent your Son because you love us, and we thank you for this, may our love be as great as Jesus’. Lord, hear us and love us. Dear Lord…. open our eyes that we might see what the Good Samaritan saw. Give us the courage to help others, the wisdom to know what to do, and the will to do it. Lord, hear us and love us. Dear Lord… We pray for all those who face difficult circumstances today. We especially pray for people who are not loved. May they receive your grace. Lord, hear us and love us. Dear Lord… We pray for those we cross the road to avoid. May we see in them the love you give to all your people, and be an example of your heavenly love. Lord, hear us and love us. Dear Lord… We pray for those whose needs we do not face up to because it requires us to take action. May the world receive a true picture of their suffering so that justice may be done. Lord, hear us and love us. Dear Lord… Open our eyes, that we might not cross the road from human need. Allow us to see your love at work in this world, so that we may love one another as ourselves. Lord, hear us and love us. We ask all these things in the name of your Son, Jesus, who you gave to the earth as a symbol of your unending love us. Thank you for the love you give us Lord. Amen.
