A lawyer asked Jesus about the Great Commandment. He said, “Who is my neighbor?” Jesus answered him by telling a story about a man who was beaten by robbers and left on the side of the road. A priest passed by and then a Levite, but they did nothing to help. Finally, a Samaritan came by. He brought the man to an inn and paid for his care. Then, Jesus asked who proved to be the man’s neighbor. The lawyer replied, “He who showed mercy.” Jesus said, “Go and do likewise.”
Do you think the lawyer was surprised that the Samaritan was the one who helped? Why? The Samaritan was “moved with compassion,” when he saw the injured man. What are some small ways that we can show compassion in our daily lives?
When Jesus went to Jerusalem for the harvest feast, he taught openly about himself and his mission. He said, “I am the light of the world. Whoever follows me will not walk in darkness, but will have the light of life.” Then, the Pharisees in the crowd tried to argue with him. Jesus replied, “I know where I came from and where I am going.” Jesus said God also tells them it is true. But most of the Pharisees did not really know Jesus nor did they understand the heavenly Father.
Discussion Questions
What are some images that come to mind when Jesus says, “I am the light of the world”? Have you ever followed a light in the dark? Jesus leads the way, and he also lights the way. His light is life-giving and truth-revealing.
At age twelve, Jesus and his parents went to Jerusalem for the Passover. When it was time to go home, Joseph and Mary left with their fellow travelers. But Jesus was accidentally left behind. So, Jesus waited in Jerusalem and went to hear the Jewish teachers who allowed him to speak. “And all who heard him were astonished at his understanding and answers.” When his worried parents finally found him, he said, “Did you not know that I must be about my Father’s business?”
Discussion Questions
Jesus did a lot of thinking and questioning in Jerusalem. What questions might Jesus have asked? What was the meaning of Jesus’ reply to his parents? Afterward, Jesus returned home and remained an obedient son.
How do you think Mary felt after Gabriel made his announcement? How did it help Mary that Gabriel had also appeared to Elizabeth? Mary needed to place her faith and trust in God. We can remember, “For with God nothing shall be impossible.”
