(a) "... Who is my neighbours?" How did Jesus answer this question? [12 marks] (b) In what three ways can Christians show good neighbourliness? [3 marks]

Answer Details

(a) Jesus' answer to the question, "Who is my neighbour?" - the parable of the Good Samaritan (Luke 10:25-37)

A lawyer stood up to test Jesus, asking what he must do to inherit eternal life. Jesus turned the question to the law, and the lawyer answered, "You shall love the Lord your God with all your heart... and your neighbour as yourself." Jesus approved, but the lawyer, desiring to justify himself, asked, "And who is my neighbour?" Jesus answered with a parable:

A man was going down from Jerusalem to Jericho when he fell among robbers, who stripped him, beat him, and departed, leaving him half dead. By chance a priest was going down that road; when he saw the man he passed by on the other side. Likewise a Levite came, looked at him, and passed by on the other side. But a Samaritan, as he journeyed, came to where the man was; and when he saw him he had compassion. He went to him, bound up his wounds, pouring on oil and wine, then set him on his own beast, brought him to an inn, and took care of him. The next day he took out two denarii, gave them to the innkeeper, and said, "Take care of him; and whatever more you spend, I will repay you when I come back."

Jesus then asked, "Which of these three, do you think, proved neighbour to the man who fell among the robbers?" The lawyer said, "The one who showed mercy on him." Jesus said to him, "Go and do likewise." Thus Jesus taught that a neighbour is anyone in need, regardless of race, religion or status, and that neighbourliness is shown through active mercy.

(b) Three ways Christians can show good neighbourliness

1. Helping those in need, the sick, the poor, the stranded and the afflicted, with practical care and material support.
2. Showing love, kindness and compassion to all people without discrimination of tribe, religion or status.
3. Sacrificing one's time, money and comfort to relieve the suffering of others, as the Samaritan did.