The Order of Worship

Music Ministry Team:  Kristin Petty, Dwight Huntley, Matthew Leone, Rene Vazquez

Worship Team:  Sarah Haas, Marc Hayden

Technology Team:  Michael Kendall, Mark Raker, Jerry Weissinger

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Key Notes from the reading & sermon:

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.”

A key to understanding the parables of Jesus is to look for the twist; there is almost always something unexpected. Some of Jesus’ best-known parables are found only in Luke—The Good Samaritan and the Prodigal Son. Both stories are so well known it may be hard to be surprised by their telling. Our focus on the parable of the Samaritan will explore the story as an example of unexpected mercy.

Questions for Reflection:

• The precursor to Samaria was Shechem. The story of Dinah in Genesis 34 and the story of the false judge Abimelech in Judges 9 build a foundation for mistrust of the Samaritans, whose ancestors could be categorized as rapists and murderers. What are some of the old stories and stereotypes that promulgate division and hatred in our time and culture?

• 2 Chronicles 28 tells the story of the way Samaritans (identified as “the people of Israel”, that is, those living in the north, Samaria) had captured a large group of Judeans, intending to make them slaves. However, a prophet named Obed intervenes, the Samaritans listen, repent, and set the captives free. What stories do you know and tell that reveal reconciliation instead of revenge between enemies?

• Maybe Jesus had the story of 2 Chronicles in mind as he told his parable of unexpected mercy. Might actions of compassion and mercy be the path to healing the divisions in our place and time? When so many words have been used in the election-cycle to inflict damage upon and tear down opponents, what are the actions needed to sow the seeds of reconciliation?

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