~Another Look at the Lessons~

Read: Isaiah 58:6-9
The people of Judah were trying to earn God’s favor by following outward ceremonies (in this case extra days of fasting). What does God want instead? What are some outwardly religious behaviors through which we might sinfully try to do the same?

What does God promise us as we live a compassionate life in sincere faith in Christ?

Read: Luke 10:25-37
In this sin-broken world, what things besides bandits have the power to “rob us, beat us, and leave us for dead”?

How could the priest and the Levite and (especially) the Samaritan have rationalized the behavior of walking by on the other side? What excuses do we give for not helping someone who is hurting?

React to the following: When it comes to helping the hurting, I don’t need more time, money, or energy, what I need more mercy.

How did our God and Savior prove himself to be the ultimate “Good Samaritan” in regards to us and our natural sinful/lost/broken/bankrupt/dead condition? How does that shape and fuel our mercy?