Part of what it meant for Jesus to "determine to go to Jerusalem" was the growing presence of legal experts and Pharisees testing him with questions that sought to trap him. He answered this one with a story showing in vivid human terms what it means to love your neighbor as yourself. He told his friend Martha it was vital to make him her first priority, and he taught his disciples how to pray—and why.

• The Samaritan in the story didn’t just offer casual roadside help. He put the injured man on "his own donkey" (meaning he walked), brought him to an inn, cared for him, paid two days wages and offered to pay more on his return if needed. How did Jesus’ description of the Samaritan reflect God’s vast generosity to us? How can knowing we’ve received God’s generosity move us to be generous to our neighbors in ways we never would achieve out of our own goodness?
• After teaching them the Lord’s Prayer, Jesus gave his disciples an insight into "answered prayer" (Luke 11:11-13). He compared the "good gifts" parents give their children with God’s gift of the Holy Spirit to all who ask. But, of course, often we’re not asking for the Holy Spirit. What things are you praying for today? If God answers by giving you the Holy Spirit’s presence, will you thank God for that or be upset that you didn’t receive the other thing you asked for?