Who Is My Neighbor?

TEXT: Luke 10:25-37

OBJECTIVE

The students will be able to explain that their neighbors are those with whom they come into contact, regardless of nationality or social status. One of God’s commandments is that His followers should love their neighbor as they do themselves.

REFERENCE INFORMATION

God has always held man responsible for his attitudes and treatment of his fellowman. In the very beginning we read of God asking Cain, “Where is thy brother?” God made plain the duties and responsibilities of man toward others. In the Old Testament, injunctions are given more in the negative than in the positive. There are many examples of sins against one’s neighbor being forbidden—lying, hating, enticing, failing to pay, and committing adultery.

In the New Testament, positive duties and responsibilities toward our neighbor are encouraged—to love, speak the truth, to teach, and to show mercy. The Jews, however, (like many people today) counted their “neighbor” only as those who were close by—fellow Jews—but excluded those of other races, especially the Samaritans. Their kindness and consideration surely wasn’t to be extended to Gentiles.

Jesus, in His parable of the Good Samaritan, made it plain that there are no exceptions when it comes to showing our love and compassion for others. The very meaning of the word compassion is, “suffering with the man.” Jesus made the point of being a neighbor or being neighborly—helping whoever needs help—more important than the question, “Who is my neighbor?”

QUESTIONS

Jesus Christ left us many beautiful examples of ministering to the needs of one’s neighbors, even to the extent of going a great distance or spending much time in order to do it. In this parable Jesus shows us that our neighbors are those with whom we come into contact, regardless of nationality or social status.

1. The lawyer who came to Jesus asked, “What shall I do to inherit eternal life?” This was a good question, but there are indications he was not sincere. What were these indications?
   
   Response: Direct your students’ attention to the word “tempted,” in verse 25, and the indication that he was “willing to justify himself,” in verse 29. These should bring out that the lawyer was not sincere. Discuss with your students how, though this man was insincere, Jesus treated him with respect and gave him a wonderful example of what it means to be a good neighbor. Talk about what our reaction is to people we feel are insincere or deceitful. How can we follow Christ’s example and treat them as a “neighbor,” and thus one to whom we should extend love and consideration?
   
2. In John 4:4-29 and 21:8-9,12-13, we see two examples of Jesus showing brotherly love or concern for those about Him. Describe the ways Jesus ministered in these two instances.
   
   Response: John 4:4-29 — He explained a spiritual need to the woman at the well. John 21:8-9,12-13 — He fed His disciples. In the discussion revolving around these two examples, it should be brought out that Jesus was concerned with both the spiritual and physical needs of those around Him. Your students should realize that as Christians we, too, must be aware of both aspects of care for others and try to meet them.
   
3. Read Luke 11:5-8. What excuse was given for not meeting the friend’s need? Do you think that this was a valid or acceptable excuse? Why or why not?
   
   Response: As you discuss this question with your students, they will explain that his excuse was that the door was shut and he was in bed. Likely, they will feel that this excuse was not acceptable. Point out that in those days, most likely the children would be sleeping on the floor in the main room into which the visitor would enter. His appearance, then, would rouse the whole household. Use this question as a springboard to discuss how we may be called upon to help another at a time or place which may be inconvenient for us, but we must still be willing to do so.
   
4. Some of the duties of a priest were to make sacrifices, burn incense, and teach the people God’s Law. The Levites were appointed to assist the priests and, no doubt, had heard the message of the priest. In what way did they fail in their obligations?
   
   Response: Your students will, no doubt, bring out that the priest and Levite were not fulfilling the duties of the Law which said, “love thy neighbor as thyself.” Ask your students what conclusion they can draw from this, leading them to see the importance of actions—their actions often “speak” louder than their words. Help your class to discuss their responsibility to do as they have been taught. Refer your students to verse 36 of our text, pointing out that because of the Levite’s failure he was not counted as a “neighbor.”
   
5. The Samaritans were absolutely despised by the Jews, and they had no dealings with each other. In spite of this, when the Good Samaritan saw the man’s suffering, what did he do?
   
   Response: Your students will describe the actions of the Samaritan. Jesus concluded by commanding the lawyer to “Do thou likewise.” Bring out that this same admonition applies to us today, zeroing in on the fact that we must have concern for others regardless of nationality or social status.
   
6. In John 5, we read of a man who suffered from a serious physical affliction. In verse 7, he tells Jesus why he had not been healed. What reason did he give? How might this relate to our duty to those who are physically disabled or afflicted?
   
   Response: The reason given was that he had no man to put him into the pool when the water was troubled. Ask your students to imagine the feelings or outlook on life of a man who had been physically disabled for thirty-eight years. He believed that if he had help, there was a chance that he could be freed from his affliction! It would be only natural for him to hold bitterness against the so-called religious men or righteous people of his day who did nothing for him. Your students should see that the devil may use a person’s lack of compassion to create bitterness in the person who is in need.
   
7. If you love your neighbor as yourself, what are some of the things you will be doing as outlined in the following Scriptures?
   Matthew 5:16
   John 13:35
   Romans 15:2
   Ephesians 4:32
   1 John 3:17
   
   Response: Review of the Scriptures mentioned should bring out the following ideas.
   Matthew 5:16 — do good works
   John 13:35 — show love
   Romans 15:2 — please neighbor
   Ephesians 4:32 — be kind and forgiving
   1 John 3:17 — meet needs
   Discuss each of these Scriptures, asking how we can specifically fulfill each of these obligations.
   
8. Consider the admonition in our key verse that instructs us to love our neighbor as ourselves. Then note some of the ways we care for our physical, mental, and spiritual selves and our material requirements. Which of the ways noted should be extended to others?
   
   Response: As your students discuss some of the ways we care for ourselves, they may bring out that we take care not to hurt ourselves; we attempt to provide shelter, clothing, adequate nourishment, etc.; we regulate the things we think about; we strive to gain spiritual strength and understanding. After this point has been developed, talk about the ways we can extend the same care to others. Conclude your lesson by bringing out that this is not just a suggestion or something that might be nice to do: it is one of Christ’s commandments, backed up by the Law.

CLASS ACTIVITIES

Bring to class an assortment of church invitations, special programs, tracts, and the Light of Hope and Higher Way magazines. Discuss with your students where, when, and how these might be used by one who is being a “good neighbor.” Emphasize the fact that to be instrumental in leading someone to Christ, and thereby out of his trouble and sin, is the best way possible of being a good neighbor.

Look in the newspapers and magazines (suggest that students do this also) for articles you can clip and bring to class showing examples of behavior indicating someone was a Good Samaritan. Emphasize that these deeds were written up in the paper because such actions are truly newsworthy. How about the Higher Way and the Light of Hope? (Both contain good news.)

Make silhouettes of each of your students on white paper. Under the silhouette, write several headings: Name, Birthday, Birthplace, Nationality, Number of Brothers and Sisters, Pets, Favorite Foods, School, etc. Draw a blank line next to each heading and let the students fill in their own information. Talk about how we are all different but God tells us we are neighbors to one another. Let each child name something that the student sitting next to him might like to have done for him.

Make up some hypothetical situations the students might face at school that will require and test their love for their neighbor. Write these on pieces of paper and have the students read them one by one, for discussion.

On the preceding Sunday announce that the Sunday this lesson is taught will be a special “Neighbors’ Day.” Encourage each student to bring a “neighbor” (friend, relative, etc.) to class on that Sunday. When the children arrive with their neighbor have them sit next to each other. At the appropriate time in your class discussion have each of your students offer to do something for his neighbor that he would like to have done for himself. Explain to them that Jesus wants us to do for others as we want others to do for us. In doing this we are showing that we love them as Jesus told us to.