Luke 10:25-37
An expert in the law stood up to test Jesus. “Teacher,” he said, “what must I do to inherit eternal life?” He said to him, “What is written in the law? What do you read there?” He answered, “You shall love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your strength and with all your mind and your neighbor as yourself.” And he said to him, “You have given the right answer; do this, and you will live.” But wanting to vindicate himself, he asked Jesus, “And who is my neighbor?” Jesus replied, “A man was going down from Jerusalem to Jericho and fell into the hands of robbers, who stripped him, beat him, and took off, 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 while traveling came upon him, and when he saw him he was moved with compassion. He went to him and bandaged his wounds, treating them with oil and wine. Then he put him on his own animal, brought him to an inn, and took care of him. The next day he took out two denarii, gave them to the innkeeper, and said, ‘Take care of him, and when I come back I will repay you whatever more you spend.’ Which of these three, do you think, was a neighbor to the man who fell into the hands of the robbers?” He said, “The one who showed him mercy.” Jesus said to him, “Go and do likewise.” Luke 10:25-37 (NRSVUE)
The parable of The Good Samaritan was first taught to me in Sunday school, as I remember it as a yearly story throughout my childhood. Over the years, it’s resonated with me in different ways. A Children's Bible has pictures to go with the story to depict the injured person on the side of the road, and as a kid I remember being surprised that nobody would stop and help someone in need like that. It seems such an obvious thing to do and I’m guessing I always thought that I would. Now, as an adult, I think about the number of people who remain homeless on the streets of Lincoln, Omaha and up-and-down the tourist areas in Chicago that I visit and just ignore and walk by on a regular basis. When I’m near Wrigley and on certain streets downtown, I see the same people, two with children, on the same corners each time. Typically all I do is notice and walk by, but there are times when I’ve left a pair of gloves, a stocking cap or a shirt with someone. It’s really easy to make that gesture, but then just go on with my day. If I’ve only done that four or five times out of four or five hundred people encountered, is that really showing mercy?
In recent years, I’ve thought about this story in another way. How do we go about loving our neighbors as ourselves when it seems like we don’t get to know our neighbors anymore? Growing up, I felt like I just didn’t know my neighbors, but most people in our 883 person town. Up and down my street in Lincoln I seem to only know three houses of folks by name. Fences are physically in the way, schedules complicate timing, and lack of a common place to gather really inhibit the process.
That’s the beauty of Southwood and churches all around. Attending church in person provides a consistent opportunity to grow community and be that Samaritan to others. Your church is a great place to practice loving our God in worship while providing a safe setting to show your love and care for others. Plus, you never know when you might find yourself on the end of needing a friendly listening ear. Let your church family be that place to find it, so we hope to see you soon.
Questions for Reflection:
- How have you been a Good Samaritan to others recently?
- Have you felt like that person on the side of the road and someone was able to lend a hand to you?
Prayer:
Dear Lord,
We do our best to love you in our thoughts, words and deeds. It just seems like it can be hard to love our neighbors as ourselves at times. Help us to get out of our own way and eliminate the excuses. Let us lead with patience, kindness, and forgiveness, all in your name.
Amen
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