“And who is my neighbor?” This question prompted Jesus to tell the parable of the Good Samaritan. I suspect this parable is known inside and outside of Christian circles as it provides a solid moral truth about helping others. The story tells of a priest, a Levite and a Samaritan and it’s point is intuitively obvious even to the casual observer. The ending command is one that we need to hear: “Go and do likewise.”
Luke 10:25-37
Creative Space for Wanderers
I’ve heard this story as long as I can remember. From Vacation Bible School, Sunday School, youth events, adult events, you name it, this story gets a lot of attention. This morning I’m particularly impressed with the interaction between Jesus and “the expert in the law” (who is unnamed). By this point in Jesus’ earthly ministry we know there is a lot of friction between the teachers of the law, the Pharisees, essentially any of the the religious right, so the story is significant.
Love knows no boundaries.
It doesn’t matter where you’re from, your nationality, race, background, these things are transitory. People matter to God.
Lord help us to be good neighbors, to love people like you love them. Help us to lead people to Jesus, to become fully committed followers.