The good neighbour - O le tua’oi lelei

Scripture Focus: Luka 10:25-42

Behold, a certain lawyer stood up and tested him, saying, “Teacher, what shall I do to inherit eternal life?” He said to him, “What is written in the law? How do you read it?” He answered, “You shall love the Lord your God with all your heart, with all your soul, with all your strength, and with all your mind; and your neighbor as yourself.” He said to him, “You have answered correctly. Do this, and you will live.” But he, desiring to justify himself, asked Jesus, “Who is my neighbor?” Jesus answered, “A certain man was going down from Jerusalem to Jericho, and he fell among robbers, who both stripped him and beat him, and departed, leaving him half dead. By chance a certain priest was going down that way. When he saw him, he passed by on the other side. In the same way a Levite also, when he came to the place, and saw him, passed by on the other side. But a certain Samaritan, as he traveled, came where he was. When he saw him, he was moved with compassion, came to him, and bound up his wounds, pouring on oil and wine. He set him on his own animal, and brought him to an inn, and took care of him. On the next day, when he departed, he took out two denarii, and gave them to the host, and said to him, ‘Take care of him. Whatever you spend beyond that, I will repay you when I return.’ Now which of these three do you think seemed to be a neighbor to him who fell among the robbers?” He said, “He who showed mercy on him.” Then Jesus said to him, “Go and do likewise.” As they went on their way, he entered into a certain village, and a certain woman named Martha received him into her house. She had a sister called Mary, who also sat at Jesus’ feet, and heard his word. But Martha was distracted with much serving, and she came up to him, and said, “Lord, don’t you care that my sister left me to serve alone? Ask her therefore to help me.” Jesus answered her, “Martha, Martha, you are anxious and troubled about many things, but one thing is needed. Mary has chosen the good part, which will not be taken away from her.”
- Luke 10:25-42 (WEB)

Study:

This passage from Luke highlights Jesus’ teaching about the essence of loving God and loving our neighbour. When asked how to inherit eternal life, Jesus points to two foundational commandments: to love God wholeheartedly and to love our neighbour as ourselves. The parable of the Good Samaritan challenges prevailing cultural boundaries and prejudices by showing that true neighbourliness transcends ethnicity and religious status. It portrays mercy, compassion, and action as defining characteristics of a neighbour. Furthermore, the interaction between Jesus, Martha, and Mary underscores the importance of prioritizing spiritual attentiveness—listening and learning from Jesus—over mere busyness, reminding us of what the 'good part' in life truly is.

Application:

In our daily lives, this passage encourages us not only to recognise who our neighbour is but to act with compassion and mercy without bias or convenience. True neighbourliness demands practical love—helping those in need, irrespective of their background. Additionally, in the busyness of service and responsibilities, we are reminded to pause and focus on nurturing our relationship with God through listening and prayer. Balancing active service with spiritual growth is vital to living a fulfilling Christian life that honours God and loves others well.

Reflection Questions:

• Who do I consider my neighbour, and how do I treat those outside my immediate circle?
• In what ways can I show mercy and compassion like the Good Samaritan in everyday situations?
• Am I more like Martha—busy and worried—or like Mary—focused on Jesus’ teaching?
• How can I balance service and spirituality to better reflect God’s kingdom in my life?

Prayer:

Lord Jesus, teach me to love as You love, to see my neighbour through Your eyes, and to act with compassion and mercy. Help me to listen attentively to Your word amid the busyness of life and choose the good part that will never be taken away. Strengthen me to serve You and others faithfully in all I do. Amen.

Tags: good neighbour, Luke 10, parable of the Good Samaritan, love your neighbour, Christian compassion, serving God, spiritual focus, Bible study, Jesus teaching, mercy and compassion