Who's Your Neighbor?

But he, desiring to justify himself, said to Jesus, “And who is my neighbor?” Jesus replied, “A man was going down from Jerusalem to Jericho, and he fell among robbers, who stripped him and beat him and departed, leaving him half dead. Now by chance a priest was going down that road, and when he saw him he passed by on the other side. So likewise a Levite, when he came to the place and saw him, passed by on the other side. But a Samaritan, as he journeyed, came to where he was, and when he saw him, he had compassion. He went to him and bound up his wounds, pouring on oil and wine. Then he set him on his own animal and brought him to an inn and took care of him. And the next day he took out two denarii and gave them to the innkeeper, saying, ‘Take care of him, and whatever more you spend, I will repay you when I come back.’ Which of these three, do you think, proved to be a neighbor to the man who fell among the robbers?” He said, “The one who showed him mercy.” And Jesus said to him, “You go, and do likewise.” (Luke 10:29-37 ESV). Today’s reading is the Parable of the Good Samaritan. It has become so iconic that it is a part of the modern English dictionary. However, the message of Jesus is far deeper than might be first understood. While the parable is, indeed, about helping the downtrodden, defenseless, and forgotten, Jesus wanted to teach us more. I believe he wants us to know how to recognize the many faces of our “neighbor.” He was not only trying to uncover our prejudices; He was also revealing Himself to us. Along with some of the obvious, this story teaches us how to answer the question, “Who is my neighbor?” and in doing so, how to apply the grace of God given so abundantly to us through the work of Christ. Here are a few suggestions for your further thought:  Someone who doesn’t respect or understand you.  Someone you don’t know and have no responsibility to help.  Someone who is inconvenient to love.  Someone who can’t thank you or pay you back.  Someone who is worth the risk, even if your fears are legitimate.  Someone who is loved and valued by God. They are your equal, despite your prejudices.  Someone you have the means to show love to and who will teach you how to love. He’s equipped you to be His hands and feet and will provide what He wants you to give. We should remember that the person He’s put on your path has something to give you also. It is our opportunity to grow spiritually. If the Lord draws you toward someone in we ought to understand that He plans to use that individual in your life as well. Of course, I am not saying that everyone you pass is that “neighbor” in need. However, I am saying we pass by more neighbors without helping than we stop to render our aid. Start looking a bit more and you will see them!