Study & Discussion Notes

"Becoming Myself: The Sacred Supper That Satisfies Your Soul"

Hear 0 Israel: the Lord our God, the Lord is one; you shall love the Lord your God with all your heart, and with all your soul, and with all your mind, and with all your strength. You shall love your neighbor as yourself. Mark 11:29-31.

"Becoming Myself: The Ones You Need to Love"
STUDY & DISCUSSION NOTES

Hear 0 Israel: the Lord our God, the Lord is one; you shall love the Lord your God with all your heart, and with all your soul, and with all your mind, and with all your strength. You shall love your neighbor as yourself. Mark 12:29-31.

1. Text: Luke 10:25-37

2. Think about an instance or two when you have been a Good Samaritan to someone or someone has been a Good Samaritan to you.

3. The priest in Jesus' story may have refused help because of ritual concerns. What religious restrictions are you aware of that may hinder relationships with other people?

4. The Levite in Jesus' story may have refused help because of concern for his own physical safety. What safety issues (bodily or otherwise) exist when we reach out to help someone else?

5. The Samaritan was able to help the traveler in a practical way. Describe in your own terms what it means to have the qualities of the Samaritan described in the sermon:

  1. Recognized need when he saw it
  2. Responded with appropriate help
  3. Transcended artificial barriers between himself and another human being
  4. Spent from his own resources
  5. Acted boldly with courage and faith
  6. Persevered in his purpose

6. The sermon suggested that our "neighbor" can be anyone: spouse, children, friends, as well as people we will never know in different places of the world. Who are some "neighbors" that you may have overlooked in the past?

7. What are some challenges you have faced in the process of offering help to others?

8. James Bryan Smith wrote: "God has created a world in which we are the ones who care for one another. To put it another way. God cares for us through one another." Reflect on how you can do some of God's work by caring for others.

Week of October 14, 2007
The Village Church, Rancho Santa Fe The
Rev. Dr. Jack W. Baca