Neighbor?

Luke 10: 25-37 v 29 “The man wanted to justify his actions, so he asked Jesus, “ And who is my neighbor?”

An expert in the law stood up to test Jesus. Jesus replied to his questions like Any good teacher with another question. What does the law say, how do you read it. As he replied, “love your neighbor”, the expert also wanted to justify his question by continuing to challenge Jesus. Jesus then told a parable, the Good Samaritan. A priest and a Temple assistant passed an injured man on the road, but a despised Samaritan acted like a neighbor taking care of him. Jesus told the expert of the law to “go and do the same.”

Like Jesus our faith is often tested by those who have different opinions in our conversations. Here we see Jesus giving us an example of how to respond to those questions. He responded kindly. And then followed up using stories to help illustrate what He means. And finally adding that we are required not just to see the problems but to show mercy to others as He says, “go and do the same” In the parable everyone saw the injured man but only one went to help. One who traditionally was not thought of well. Sometimes unlikely people are seen to be doing good, join them, for the benefit of your neighbors.

Prayer: Heavenly Father, we thank you for this wonderful world in which we live and the many different people in it. Help us today to see the needs of others and to respond to those needs with a helping hand. Amen.