Luke 10:25-37 (Parable of the Good Samaritan) + A Man Called Ove by Fredrik Backman

Jesus could have taught in lectures, but instead, He told stories. His listeners were captivated by stories about fathers and sons, widows and judges, banquets and vineyards, lost coins, unexpected neighbors, and servants waiting in the night. At first glance, the parables in the Gospel of Luke seem simple. But beneath these familiar stories lies a deeper invitation—not merely to understand the symbolism of the parables, but to be transformed by them.

In this series of the Be Still podcast, Every Good Story Whispers the Gospel, Lisa journeys through some of the most beloved parables in the Gospel of Luke. Each episode pairs Scripture with a memorable work of literature, exploring how great stories help us recognize ourselves in Jesus' teaching and encounter the heart of God in a fresh way.

Together we'll discover that the parables are not just stories Jesus told long ago. They are stories that continue to tell the truth about us—and about the God who is still seeking, forgiving, inviting, and restoring His people today.

"Which of these three, do you think, proved neighbor to the man who fell among the robbers?” He said, “The one who showed mercy on him." And Jesus said to him, "Go and do likewise." (Luke 10:36–37)

Who is my neighbor?

It's a question that seems simple until Jesus answers it with a story.

In this episode, Lisa reflects on the Parable of the Good Samaritan alongside Fredrik Backman's bestselling novel A Man Called Ove. At first glance, Ove appears to be little more than a grumpy old man who pushes everyone away. But as his neighbors refuse to give up on him, we're reminded that every person carries a story we cannot fully see.

Jesus' parable invites us to look beyond excuses, fears, and convenience to discover what mercy really looks like. The priest saw a risk. The Levite saw a reason to keep walking. The Samaritan saw a neighbor.

Together, Scripture and story remind us that compassion is rarely dramatic. More often, it looks like crossing the road, interrupting our plans, and choosing to move toward another person's needs. In doing so, we often discover that God transforms our own hearts as much as the life we're trying to help.

In this episode, we explore:

• Why does Jesus answer, "Who is my neighbor?" by showing us what it means to become a neighbor.
• What the priest and the Levite reveal about the ways we justify withholding mercy.
• How A Man Called Ove reminds us that every difficult person has a story we cannot fully see.
• Why mercy almost always requires inconvenience.
• How ordinary acts of compassion become the very places where God changes both the giver and the receiver.
• What it looks like to "cross the road" in our own daily lives.

Journaling Questions

1. When I hesitate to help someone, what is usually holding me back? Is it fear of the cost, uncertainty about what to do, the assumption that someone else is better equipped, or something else entirely?
2. Is there someone God has placed in my path—not to solve all of their problems—but simply to move toward with compassion this week? What would "crossing the road" look like in that relationship?

Key Scripture
Luke 10:25–37.

Presenting Sponsor
Our presenting sponsor is Verità. Verità is a Catholic women’s ministry awakening women to their dignity as beloved daughters of God through truth, beauty and grace. Verità invites you to join them on a pilgrimage to Rome and Assisi March 6–14, 2027. If your heart has been longing for more-more peace, more purpose, more intimacy with Jesus, perhaps this is your invitation. To learn more or reserve your place, visit https://lolekpilgrimage.org/2027verita or @Verita.Mission on Instagram.

Show Mention
If you're not in a Walking with Purpose parish program, it's time to find out just how amazing the parish experience can be. Join us for this 25-minute virtual event and discover how WWP effectively brings women closer to the love of Christ and their parish communities. Register now!

Let’s stay connected.

Don’t miss an episode. Subscribe to our podcast on your favorite platform.