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Act Like the Good Samaritan

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Luke 10: 36~37 (NIV)

"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."

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Around Jesus there were always many people following him.
And among them, there were some people trying to get Jesus in trouble.

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Today also one rabbi tried to test Jesus and asked one question.
"Teacher, what should I do to get eternal life?"
However, Jesus already knew he was trying to test him.

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Jesus asked back to the rabbi,
"What is written in the Law and how should I interpret it?"

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The rabbi answered with confidence, " 'Love your GOD with all your heart, life, and might' and 'love your neighbor like your own self.'"

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Jesus answered to him again. "You are right, then do what you have said."
This rabbi wanted to show off in front of Jesus so he asked once more.
"Then who is my neighbor?"

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Jesus answered to the rabbi with one story.
"One Jew was traveling alone from Jerusalem to Jericho.

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This Jew met some bandits on his way.
The bandits attacked him to the point that he almost died.
Then they stole all of his things and they ran away.

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The Jew was about to die.
At that moment, one priest well-known for serving God passed by and saw the traveler.
But the priest ignored him and continued on his way.

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After a short while a second person passed by, he was a Levite who was also well-known for serving God. But this Levite also ran away ignoring the person.

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The third person was a Samaritan. The Samaritans were ignored by the Jews and they were treated like animals. But surprisingly, the Samaritan stopped by and helped the Jew who really needed help. He poured olive oil and wine on the Jew`s wounds.

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Then the Samaritan carried the Jew on his own animal to an inn.
He paid for a room and treated the Jew for the whole night.
He treated him like one of his own family members.

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Not only that but the Samaritan also gave two silver coins to the innkeeper.
He said, "Treat this person well.
If the money is not enough I will pay more when I come back."
Then he went on his way.

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After the story ended Jesus asked to the rabbi, "Who do you think is the neighbor of the Jew who met those bandits?" The rabbi answered in a small voice, "The Samaritan who had helped the hurting Jew."

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Jesus said to the rabbi, "Then you should also do like this Samaritan."
This rabbi was embarrassed even though he had tried to test Jesus.

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People who believe Jesus also should act like the Samaritan today. We should not be like the priest and the Levite who only believed in God by their words. We should always pray to love our neighbors like the Samaritan did today.

(You can change the conclusion of this sermon best suiting to your listeners of this sermon. We want to make it clear that the provided conclusion is only a sample conclusion provided by CTM.)