Scot McKnight writes in The Jesus Creed: Loving God, Loving Others, “Christian spiritual formation (what happens in the heart) is the process of being conformed to the image of Christ for the sake of others.” The Great Command (Matthew 22:37-38) is two sides of the same coin. We can’t love God without loving others. “And” is a small but powerful word. Consider the implications of the following Bible truths without “and.” What would be the result?
1 John 4:8 and Psalm 99:5—God is __________ and __________.
John 1:1 and Philippians 2:7-8—Jesus is __________ and __________.
John 17:17-18—Christians are not __________ and are called to live __________ the world.
James 2:18— Genuine saving faith is made evident by __________ and __________.
When explaining the Great Command in Luke 10, Jesus tells the story of the Good Samaritan in response to the question, “Who is my neighbor?” Read Luke 10:30-37.
The expert in the law had the correct answer (see Luke 10:27) to Jesus’ question. How was it possible that he knew the truth but did not act on it? (See James 1:22-23)
What excuses do you imagine this expert in the law giving for his actions? What about the priest and Levite?
Why do you think Jesus chose a Samaritan as the hero of this story?
What does the parable of the Good Samaritan teach us about love?
What command does Jesus give in Luke 10:37?
What is God calling you to do in obedience to this command?
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