Download Luke 10:25-37 The Message

LESSON 8
May 27,2006
LISTENING ON PURPOSE, PART 2
Androcles and the Lion
Sabbath Afternoon
Today’s Reading
. . . . .. He (Christ) showed that our neighbor does not mean merely one of the
church or faith to which we belong. It has no reference to race, color, or class
distinction. Our neighbor is every person who needs our help. Our neighbor is
every soul who is wounded and bruised by the adversary. Our neighbor is every
one who is the property of God (Christ object lessons p.376)
Thoughts from the Mount of Blessing p. 134-135
Just then a religion scholar stood up with a question to test Jesus. "Teacher,
what do I need to do to get eternal life?” He answered, "What's written in God's
Law? How do you interpret it?" He said, "That you love the Lord your God with all
your passion and prayer and muscle and intelligence--and that you love your
neighbor as well as you do yourself." "Good answer!" said Jesus. "Do it and you'll
live." Looking for a loophole, he asked, "And just how would you define
"neighbor'?" Jesus answered by telling a story. "There was once a man traveling
from Jerusalem to Jericho. On the way he was attacked by robbers. They took his
clothes, beat him up, and went off leaving him half-dead. Luckily, a priest was on
his way down the same road, but when he saw him he angled across to the other
side. Then a Levite religious man showed up; he also avoided the injured man. "A
Samaritan traveling the road came on him. When he saw the man's condition, his
heart went out to him. He gave him first aid, disinfecting and bandaging his
wounds. Then he lifted him onto his donkey, led him to an inn, and made him
comfortable. In the morning he took out two silver coins and gave them to the
innkeeper, saying, "Take good care of him. If it costs any more, put it on my bill-I'll pay you on my way back.' "What do you think? Which of the three became a
neighbor to the man attacked by robbers?" "The one who treated him kindly," the
religion scholar responded. Jesus said, "Go and do the same."
Luke 10:25-37 The Message
Pleasant, kind, and well-bred Christians will have an influence for God and His
truth; it cannot be otherwise. The light borrowed from Heaven will shed its
brightening rays through them to the pathway of others. . . . The words we speak,
our daily deportment, are the fruit growing upon the tree. If the fruit is sour and
unpalatable, the rootlets of that tree are not drawing nourishment from a pure
source. If our affections are brought into harmony with our Savior, if our
characters are meek and lowly, we evidence that our life is hid with Christ in God;
and we shall leave behind us a bright track. . . . Beholders will discern that we
have been with Jesus and learned of Him. {OHC 238.4}
ANDROCLES AND THE LION
A slave named Androcles once escaped from his master and fled to the forest.
As he was wandering about he came upon a lion lying down moaning and
groaning. At first he turned to flee, but finding that the lion did not purse him, he
turned back and went up to him. As he came near, the lion put out his paw, which
was all swollen and bleeding, and Androcles found that a huge thorn had gotten
into it and was causing all the pain. He pulled out the thorn and bound up the paw
of the lion, who was soon able to rise and lick the hand of Androcles like a dog.
Then the lion took Androcles to his cave, and every day brought him meat from
which to live. But shortly afterward both Androcles and the lion were captured,
and the slave was sentenced to be thrown to the lion after the latter had been
kept without food for several days.
The emperor and all his court came to see the spectacle, and Androcles was
led out into the middle of the arena. Soon the lion was let loose from his den, and
rushed bounding and roaring toward his victim. But as soon as he came near to
Androcles he recognized his friend, and fawned upon him, and licked his hands
like a friendly dog. The emperor, surprised at this, summoned Androcles to him,
who told him the whole story. Whereupon the slave was pardoned and freed, and
the lion let loose to his native forest. Gratitude is the sign of noble souls.
Just like Androcles, we have to listen through the pain, anger, and hurt that
people present to us to hear their needs. Just as Androcles had to overcome his
fear of the lion, we have to overcome our fear of people who are “worldly” or
different in order to understand what they need and take the gospel to them.
Androcles never could have dreamed that his simple act of kindness would save
his own life one day. We listen to nonbelievers not to save our own lives, but to
save their lives for God’s kingdom. And the lives saved will be for life everlasting.
1. What had Androcles become to the lion?
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2. Was that unusual?
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3. In “Today’s Reading” do you think the story in Luke 10:25-37 has any
similarities to the illustration about Androcles and the lion? Explain your
answer.
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4. As a Christian today do you ever come in contact with people that are
potentially as different as the Good Samaritan or Androcles and the Lion?
If so explain your answer.
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5. What sort of listening were the Good Samaritan and Androcles doing?
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6. How can listening to a person and expressing sympathy and kindness lead
them to Jesus?
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Sunday
Today’s Reading
Do not be afraid of their faces, for I am with you to deliver you,” says the LORD.
Jeremiah 1:8
Not all can go as missionaries to foreign lands, but all can be home
missionaries in their families and neighborhoods. There are many ways in which
church members may give the message to those around them. One of the most
successful is by living helpful, unselfish Christian lives. Those who are fighting
the battle of life at great odds may be refreshed and strengthened by little
attentions which cost nothing. Kindly words simply spoken, little attentions simply
bestowed will sweep away the clouds of temptation and doubt that gather over
the soul. The true heart expression of Christlike sympathy, given in simplicity, has
power to open the door of hearts that need the simple, delicate touch of the spirit
of Christ. {AH 485.1}
Christians will be in this world "a holy nation, a peculiar people," showing forth
the praises of Him who hath called them "out of darkness into his marvelous
light." This light is not to grow dim, but to shine brighter and brighter unto the
perfect day. . . . The thrilling truth that has been sounding in our ears for many
years, "The Lord is at hand; be ye also ready," is no less the truth today than
when we first heard the message. {Mar 51.5}
HERE’S WHAT I THINK
Priyanth has gone to Christian schools all his life. He doesn’t really know
anyone who is not of his faith. Now he has to go to a public high school. He wants
to share his faith, but he is afraid people will think he is weird. What advice would
you give him?
Log on to http://RealTimeFaith.adventist.org to post your responses. Be upfront and honest. Say what you think. The lines below are provided as an
alternative to posting.
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Monday
Today’s Reading
Thoughts from the Mount of Blessing p. 136
You are My light
Decode the message by finding each substitute letter or symbol.
Tuesday
Today’s Reading
Thoughts from the Mount of Blessing p. 137
Now, shall professed Christians refuse to associate with the unconverted, and
seek to have no communication with them? No, they are to be with them, in the
world and not of the world, but not to partake of their ways, not to be impressed
by them, not to have a heart open to their customs and practices. Their
associations are to be for the purpose of drawing others to Christ. {3SM 231.2}
Christ has given "to every man his work" (Mark 13: 34). He expects every man
to do his work with fidelity. High and low, rich and poor, all have a work to do for
the Master. Every one is called to action. But if you do not obey the voice of the
Lord, if you do not do His appointed work in firm reliance upon Christ as your
sufficiency, if you do not follow His example, "unfaithful, slothful servant" will be
registered against your name. Unless the light which has been given you is
communicated to others, unless you let you light shine, it will go out in darkness,
and your soul will be left in awful peril. God speaks to every one who knows the
truth, "Let your light so shine before men, that they may see your good works,
and glorify your Father which is in heaven" (Matt. 5:16). Communicate the
knowledge of the truth to others. This is God's plan to enlighten the world. If you
do not stand in your allotted place, if you do not let your light shine, you will
become enshrouded in darkness. God calls upon all the sons and daughters of
the heavenly family to be fully equipped, so that at any period they can step into
the ranks ready for action. The heart made tender and sympathetic by the love of
Jesus will find the precious pearls designed for the casket of the Lord Jesus.
{1SM 266.1}
Jesus does not bid the Christian to strive to shine, but just to let his light shine
in clear and distinct rays to the world. Do not blanket your light. Do not sinfully
withhold your light. Do not let the mist and fog and malaria of the world put out
your light. Do not hide it under a bed or under a bushel, but set it on a
candlestick, that it may give light to all that are in the house.... God bids you
shine, penetrating the moral darkness of the world. {OHC 297.3}
Many do not know what is the matter with them. They want light and see no
ray. They are calling for help and they hear no response. Shall doubt and unbelief
be perpetuated because I do not gather the divine rays of light from Jesus Christ
and let them shine forth to others? . . . {OHC 297.4}
SO WHAT?
You may be wondering, what is the big deal about listening to non-Christians? If
they want to know anything, they can get all the info they need from the internet.
True, they can get facts and figures, devotionals and doctrines from a Christian
Web site. But they can’t get a listening heart, friendship, or a hug (at least not the
three-dimensional kind) from cyberspace.
Though e-mail and the Web are great communication tools, living breathing
human beings need to have face time and ear time and eye time with one
another. It doesn’t have to be anything heavy at first. Try playing soccer or
volleyball at the local park where most kids hang out. Do your homework at the
public library. Volunteer in a community organization. Join—or start—a club.
The important thing is to be where people are so you can get used to the
sounds of their voices and tap into the unspoken desires of their hearts. Then you
can introduce them to the Author of those desires that He alone can fulfill.
1. What does “let your light shine” mean?
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2. What is “your light”?
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3. Do you have any ideas about how you could “let your light shine”?
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4. Is it possible to let your light shine everyday? Please explain
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5. How is letting your light shine communicating?
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Wednesday
Today’s Reading
Thoughts from the Mount of Blessing p.38.2-39
Christ does not say to us, "Strive to shine." He says, “Let you light shine." He in
whose heart Christ abides cannot help shining.” Let your light shine." Do not
allow your light to be dimmed by selfishness or unrighteous actions. Never gather
clouds about you; for this means concealment of your light. Do not dim it by
speaking words of harshness or anger. Let the light shine forth brightly to those
within and without the home. Gather rays of light from Him who is the Light of the
world, and shine more and more brightly. Let your lamp be always trimmed and
burning. {1NL 106.4}
Match the following texts with the phrases that correspond to them.
A. James 1:19, 20
B. Matthew 5:13-16
C. 1 Corinthians 9:19-22
D. Acts 13:47
E. Romans 1:14-16
1. . . . . . .A city on a hill cannot be hidden. . . . ___________
2. . . . . . .I have become all things to all men. . . ._________________
3. . . . . . Quick to listen . . . . . . . . . .__________________
4. I have made you a light . . . . . . . . . . . . . ._______________________
5. . . . . . . I am not ashamed of the gospel . . . . ._______________________
Thursday
Today’s Reading
Thoughts from the Mount of Blessing p. 40-41
God does not select angels who have never fallen, but fallen man who has
felt the redeeming power of the grace of Christ sanctifying his own life, and
the bright beams of truth warming his own heart. As they have been in peril
themselves, they are acquainted with the dangers and difficulties of others,
and the way to reach others in like peril. {ST, January 8, 1880 par. 7}
WHAT DOES THIS HAVE TO DO WITH ME?
In a few more years you will be in high school and then off to college. You
will probably take a course in effective listening. This will enable you to take
better notes during class and to retain lots of information for tests.
The wonderful thing is that these skills translate into other areas, such as
relationships. The skills gained may have eternal consequences for the
people that you meet as well.
To paraphrase a Bible verse: unless we become good listeners by God’s
grace, neither we nor those who don’t know about or believe in God will ever
enter the kingdom of heaven.
“Take note of this: Everyone should be quick to listen, slow to speak and
slow to become angry, for man’s anger does not bring about the righteous life
that God desires.”
1. What does a good listener do?
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2. What is so important about being a good listener?
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3. How does being a good listener help you be a good witness?
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Friday
Today’s Reading
Jesus does not say to the Christian, strive to shine; but, "Let your light so
shine before men [for it is God's gift], that they may see your good works." Never
shut in the light God has given you, by mist and darkness caused by ill-advised
words, an impatient spirit, murmuring, or complaining. Wherever you are, let your
light shine in clear rays. Do not hide your light under a bushel. You need not
make extra exertions to shine, for light from the throne of God will shine. . . . . . . .
.....
{GosHealth, September 1, 1898 par. 6}
For one two-hour period today, when you now you will be around a to of
people, make an attempt to clarify everything that another person says by
mirroring their actions and paraphrasing what they say. Note the outcomes—
their nonverbal reaction, how you felt, what they said. Be prepared to share
them in class on Sabbath.
Example 1:
“Today when I talked with Juanita, she was sad about her pet dying. I made
a sad face when she made one. I told her I knew that it was hard to lose a pet.
She cried a little bit (I didn’t cry, though) and thanked me for taking the time to
talk with her and smiled. I felt good that she seemed to feel better about it.”
Example 2:
“Manny was pumped about winning the geography bee. At first I wasn’t
going to say anything because so many people were around him. I gave him a
high-five and asked him how he did it. His eyes lit up when I asked him that.
He told me how his uncle made map flash cards for him to study with during
the day and how he drilled him at night. I kept nodding my head and asking
questions, and he kept talking. I even asked to see the cards. The more
interested I acted, the more he talked. I thought I would never get away. I
learned a lot, though.”
Following are Bible Characters. Beside each ones name tell who they listened
to, or who listened to them. Also, tell how this “listener” was a witness.
1. Naaman ( 2 Kings 5 )
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2. The Rich Young Ruler (Mark 10:17-23)
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3. Nicodemus (John 3)
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4. Samuel (I Samuel 3)
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5. Abigail (1 Samuel 25 )
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6. The woman at the well ( John 4)
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