The Good Samaritan (But Not the Way You Think)

In this first message of our Parables of Grace series, we revisit one of the most familiar stories Jesus ever told—the Good Samaritan (Luke 10:25–37). But what if we’ve been asking the wrong question? When a lawyer asks Jesus, “Who is my neighbor?” he’s really asking where the line is—who qualifies for his time, compassion, and responsibility. Jesus responds with a story that doesn’t just redefine “neighbor.” It reframes the entire conversation. This sermon explores: What Jesus meant by “eternal life” (and why it’s not just about life after death) How status, identity, and tribal thinking shrink our world Why the priest and Levite aren’t villains—but mirrors How grace begins when we expand our definition of who belongs The Good Samaritan isn’t just about helping someone in a ditch. It’s about waking up to the kind of life that “outruns death”—the life of the age to come—starting right now. If you’ve ever wondered where you draw the line around compassion… this story invites you to move it. — 📖 Scripture: Luke 10:25–37 ⛪ Commons Church | Calgary 🔔 Subscribe for more teaching from our Parables of Grace series