By Elimu Assistant Team Explore the parable of the Good Samaritan and Jesus’ instructions to the seventy disciples, highlighting the church’s role in demonstrating love to others.
The Parable of the Good Samaritan (Luke 10:25-37)
In this well-known parable told by Jesus, a man traveling from Jerusalem to Jericho was attacked by robbers. The assailants severely injured him and left him half-dead on the roadside.
- A priest happened to pass by but chose to ignore the wounded man, continuing on his way without offering assistance.
- A Levite also came along and, like the priest, paid no attention to the injured man, opting instead to walk past.
- However, when a Samaritan encountered the scene, he was moved with compassion. Unlike the others, he stopped to help the man, tending to his wounds and bandaging them. He then took the injured man to an inn and paid for his care, promising to return and cover any remaining expenses.
Jesus then posed a question to a lawyer present, asking who among the three had acted as a neighbor to the wounded man. The lawyer responded that it was the Samaritan who had shown mercy. Jesus concluded by instructing the lawyer to go and emulate the Samaritan’s example.
Instructions Given to the Seventy Disciples (Luke 10:1-24)
In this passage, Jesus provides specific instructions to the seventy disciples he sends out to minister:
- Go two by two to spread the message.
- Pray earnestly, acknowledging that while the harvest is plentiful, the laborers are few.
- Do not greet anyone on the way to maintain focus on their mission.
- Carry no purse, no bag, and no sandals, symbolizing reliance on God for provision.
- Upon entering a house, they are to say peace to those within.
- Remain in the house they enter and eat whatever is provided to them.
- Heal the sick present in the towns they visit.
- Preach the good news of the Kingdom of God.
- If they are not welcomed, they should shake the dust off their feet as a sign against that town.
Activities of the Church to Demonstrate Love to Others
The church engages in various activities aimed at demonstrating love and compassion towards others, including:
- Visiting through pastoral care to support and guide individuals.
- Worshipping together to foster community and spiritual growth.
- Praying for one another to uplift and intercede for the needs of others.
- Preaching/evangelization to spread the message of hope and salvation.
- Baptizing/sacraments to signify spiritual rebirth and commitment.
- Providing education to empower individuals and uplift communities.
- Condemning evil and promoting righteousness within society.
- Offering employment opportunities to help individuals support themselves.
- Involvement in harambee projects for community development and support.
- Establishing homes for the destitute/orphaned to provide shelter and care.
- Providing water by digging boreholes in arid and semi-arid regions.
- Offering medical care to those in need.
- Visiting the sick to provide comfort and companionship.
