The Book of Luke: Love and Compassion

LOVE AND COMPASSION: LUKE 10:25-37, 15:11-32

Luke 10:25-37 and 15:11-32 illustrate Jesus' teachings on love and compassion:

*Luke 10:25-37 - The Good Samaritan*

25 On one occasion an expert in the law stood up to test Jesus. "Teacher," he asked, "what must I do to inherit eternal life?"

26 He answered, "Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your strength and with all your mind"; and, "Love your neighbor as yourself."

27 The expert replied, "And who is my neighbor?"

28 Jesus replied, "A man was going down from Jerusalem to Jericho, when he fell into the hands of robbers..."

29 ...A Samaritan, as he traveled, came where the man was; and when he saw him, he took pity on him.

30 He went to him and bandaged his wounds, pouring on oil and wine. Then he put the man on his own donkey, brought him to an inn and took care of him.

31 The next day he took out two denarii and gave them to the innkeeper. 'Take care of him,' he said, 'and when I return, I will reimburse you for any extra expense you may have."

32 Which of these three do you think was a neighbor to the man who fell into the hands of robbers?"

33 The expert in the law replied, "The one who had mercy on him." Jesus told him, "Go and do likewise."

*Luke 15:11-32 - The Prodigal Son*

11 Jesus continued: "There was a man who had two sons."

12 The younger one said to his father, 'Father, give me my share of the estate.' So he divided his property between them.

13 Not long after that, the younger son got together all he had, set off for a distant country and there squandered his wealth in wild living.

14 When he had spent everything, he began to be in need and went to work for a pig farmer.

15 When he came to his senses, he said, 'I will set out and go back to my father.'

16 But while he was still a long way off, his father saw him and was filled with compassion for him; he ran to his son, threw his arms around him and kissed him.

17 The son said to him, 'Father, I have sinned against heaven and against you. I am no longer worthy to be called your son.'

18 But the father said to his servants, 'Quick! Bring the best robe and put it on him. Put a ring on his finger and sandals on his feet.'

19 For this son of mine was dead and is alive again; he was lost and is found!' So they began to celebrate.

*Key Points:*

1. Love God and love your neighbor (Luke 10:27).

2. Compassion knows no boundaries (Luke 10:33).

3. God's love welcomes back the lost (Luke 15:20).

4. Forgiveness and restoration are possible (Luke 15:24).

*Reflection Questions:*

1. Who is your neighbor, and how can you show love?

2. Have you experienced God's compassion and forgiveness?

3. How can you extend mercy and kindness to others?

*Additional Verses:*

- Matthew 22:37-40

- Romans 13:8-10

- 1 Corinthians 13:1-3

- 1 John 3:16-18

*Study Resources:*

- The Bible Project: Luke (video)

- N.T. Wright's Luke for Everyone (commentary)

- The Lutheran Study Bible (study notes)

Would you like:

- More commentary on Luke 10 or 15

- Study questions or discussion topics

- Historical context and background

- Comparative analysis with other Gospels

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