Who Is My Neighbor?

The Scripture (Luke 10:33-37)

But a certain Samaritan, as he journeyed, came where he was: and when he saw him, he had compassion on him, And went to him, and bound up his wounds, pouring in oil and wine, and set him on his own beast, and brought him to an inn, and took care of him. And on the morrow when he departed, he took out two pence, and gave them to the host, and said unto him, Take care of him; and whatsoever thou spendest more, when I come again, I will repay thee. Which now of these three, thinkest thou, was neighbour unto him that fell among the thieves? And he said, He that shewed mercy on him. Then said Jesus unto him, Go, and do thou likewise.

The story / setting

A man was beaten and left on the road. Religious leaders passed by. A Samaritan—often despised—stopped, bandaged, paid, and stayed involved. Jesus said the neighbor was the one who showed mercy.

The lesson learned

A true neighbor is the one who shows mercy—even when the hurt person is not “one of us,” and even when helping costs time and money.

How it applies today

At school, at work, in the neighborhood, or online—someone near you may be wounded in ways you cannot see. Mercy is often quiet and practical.

How to prepare the heart

• Ask at the table: “Who might need a small act of mercy this week?”
• Pack one extra snack, note, or ride for someone God puts on your heart.
• Pray: “Lord, make us neighbors who show mercy like You.”

Quiet reflection (optional)

• Who have I walked past that God might be asking me to notice?
• What would mercy look like in one concrete act this week?

For little ones

Bandage a doll or stuffed animal. “The Samaritan helped when others hurried by.”