The Parable of the Good Samaritan
On one occasion an expert in the law stood up to test Jesus. “Teacher,” he asked, “what must I do to inherit eternal life?” “What is written in the Law?” he replied. “How do you read it?” He answered, “‘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, ‘Love your neighbor as yourself.’” “You have answered correctly,” Jesus replied. “Do this and you will live.” But he wanted to justify himself, so he asked Jesus, “And who is my neighbor” Luke 10:25-29
A Parable = an earthly story with a heavenly meaning.
In reply Jesus said: “A man was going down from Jerusalem to Jericho, when he was attacked by robbers. They stripped him of his clothes, beat him and went away, leaving him half dead. A priest happened to be going down the same road, and when he saw the man, he passed by on the other side. So too, a Levite, when he came to the place and saw him, passed by on the other side. But a Samaritan, as he traveled, came where the man was; and when he saw him, he took pity on him. Luke 10:30-33
Compassion = to put yourself in someone else’s shoes.
He went to him and bandaged his wounds, pouring on oil and wine. Then he put the man on his own donkey, brought him to an inn and took care of him.The next day he took out two denarii and gave them to the innkeeper. ‘Look after him,’ he said, ‘and when I return, I will reimburse you for any extra expense you may have.’ “Which of these three do you think was a neighbor to the man who fell into the hands of robbers?” The expert in the law replied, “The one who had mercy on him.” Jesus told him, “Go and do likewise.” Luke 10:34-37
4 Ways to Love Beyond My Limits
This Week’s Power Verse
There is no fear in love. But perfect love drives out fear, because fear has to do with punishment. The one who fears is not made perfect in love. 1 John 4:18
“I urge, then, first of all, that petitions, prayers, intercession and thanksgiving be made for all people.” 1 Timothy 2:1
Jesus said, “The Son of Man came eating and drinking, and you say, ‘Here is a glutton and a drunkard, a friend of tax collectors and sinners.’ Luke 7:34
“But Jesus often withdrew to lonely places and prayed.” Luke 5:16
“Open your homes to each other without complaining.” 1 Peter 4:9 (NCV)
“So we cared for you. Because we loved you so much, we were delighted to share with you not only the gospel of God but our lives as well.” 1 Thessalonians 2:8
“The thief comes only to steal and kill and destroy; I have come that they may have life, and have it to the full.” John 10:10
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Ministry Highlights
- Baptism Sunday
Baptsim Sunday July 13th is a powerful celebration of life change, and we’d love for you to be a part of it! If you’re ready to take your next step in faith and go public with your faith, sign up today—we can’t wait to celebrate with you! Take The Plunge!
- 1830 Night
Our 1830 Young Adults are throwing a worship night this Sunday July 13th, and you need to be there. Meet us at our San Marcos campus for worship, a powerful message, give-aways,and an after party on the lawn with yard games, new friends, and a coffee truck. Childcare available for preschool and under.
- Kidz Camp
Kids age 7-11 (Completed 2nd-5th grade) join us for Beach Blast Kidz Camp July 24th-26th 2025! Don’t miss out on the best summer camp ever as we enjoy waterslides, swimming, kayaking, ziplines, games, incredible food, music, and great bible lessons! Register NOW! Total cost per camper: $225. (Registration is non-refundable).
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CONNECTION GROUP DISCUSSION:
Bold Love - Loving Beyond Your Limits
Opening Question:
- Share about a time when someone showed you unexpected kindness or went out of their way to help you.
Key Scripture: Luke 10:25-37 (The Parable of the Good Samaritan)
Discussion Questions:
1. What stood out to you most from this week’s sermon? Why?
Jesus summarizes the law as loving God with all we’ve got and loving our neighbor as ourselves. Why do you think this is so challenging for us to live out?
In the parable, why do you think the priest and Levite passed by without helping? How do we sometimes make the same kinds of excuses?
The Samaritan was the unexpected hero of the story. How does this challenge our assumptions about who our “neighbors” are?
We talked about four ways to love the people around us: Stay, Pray, Play, and Say. Which of these do you find easiest? Which is most challenging for you?
How well do you know your literal neighbors? What’s one step you could take this week to get to know them better?
How could praying for our neighbors change the way we think about them and our actions towards them?
What are some practical ways we can “play” or have fun with our neighbors to build relationships?
Why is sharing Jesus the most loving thing we can do for someone? What makes this so challenging sometimes?
Key Takeaways:
- A neighbor is anyone we encounter who has a need.
- Loving our neighbors requires intentionality and going outside of our comfort zones.
- Our homes and resources can be powerful tools for ministry and building relationships.
- Sharing our faith should go hand-in-hand with sharing our lives.
Practical Applications:
1. Make a list of your immediate neighbors and commit to learning one new thing about each of them this week.
2. Choose one neighbor to pray for daily this week.
3. Plan a small gathering or activity to invite neighbors to in the next month.
4. Practice sharing your personal testimony of how Jesus has impacted your life.
Closing Prayer:
Thank God for His perfect love shown through Jesus. Ask for His help in loving others boldly and beyond our perceived limits.