WHO IS YOUR NEIGHBOR?
Luke 10:25–37
A Catholic couple, a medical doctor, a Hispanic family, an Episcopalian family and a middle-aged businesswoman. No, this is not the setup to a corny joke or story. Rather, it is what I can view from the front door of my home. All these demographics and more share the same street with me. It is where I go to bed at night, enjoy my family and live a portion of my life. The folks I mentioned are my closest neighbors due to location.
Jesus reminds us this week the world is our neighborhood due to His love. In a time where people are increasingly disconnected from one another, Jesus compels us to see people, value them and share the good news of the gospel with them.
Love for others is tied to our love for God. (25–28)
We should remember these verses are a response to someone testing Jesus. It is an amazing example for all of us when we are tested. We can still respond with love, truth and patience.
The question posed to Jesus was one of interpretation of the law. This supposed expert of Scripture inquired of Jesus about inheriting eternal life. This man was under the false impression salvation was something to be earned and not a gift to be received. His outward focus was indicative of a heart that was not receptive to the power of God’s grace and love.
Perhaps the greatest blessing we can glean from this conversation is the assurance that Jesus responded to the man’s question and even acknowledged his surface understanding of what the Scriptures said. Jesus also affirmed his answer. Christ revealed to the man (and the contemporary reader) the lofty measure of loving God and our neighbors. The more we love God, the more we will love others.
Love for others does not ignore them. (29–32)
Once a man was sitting in his recliner after a tiring day at work, reading his newspaper. His persistent young daughter kept vying for his attention. The dad replied with the usual grunts and dismissive words. Growing frustrated, the girl commented, “I want you to listen to me with your eyes!”
When we genuinely love people, we will see them with the eyes of Jesus. With eyes of compassion, we will see their needs, fears, gifts and burdens. The religious leaders of Jesus’ day knew God’s word without knowing God. Could that be true of some church members today?
Love for others goes out of the way to help and support them. (33–37)
In one of the greatest plot twists of all time, Jesus introduces in His story a Samaritan. The Jewish people viewed Samaritans as beneath them and worthless. Samaritans are the type of people Jesus came to save, give purpose to and redeem. This unlikely hero serves as a not-too-subtle reminder of who our neighbor is and the great need we all face at some point.
When we are at our lowest, we should also be our most humble. In those times of humility, God extends His saving grace to us. Christ left His throne to pursue us and demonstrate the inclusivity of His love. Jesus ends this conversation with a mandate for the original audience as much as it is for us today: Go and show mercy.
By Bobby McKay
Pastor of Pleasant Grove Baptist Church in Brookhaven, Mississippi
