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Who Is My Neighbor? Lessons from the Good Samaritan
Finding Compassion Beyond Comfort
Introduction
Sometimes, when faced with someone in need, our first thought isn’t always, “How can I help?” We may find ourselves prioritizing comfort or convenience, just as I did when someone slipped on a wet floor at my workplace, and I didn’t want to fill out the incident report. This common struggle is echoed in the timeless parable of the Good Samaritan.
The Lawyer’s Question
A lawyer once asked Jesus, “Teacher, what shall I do to inherit eternal life?” (Luke 10:25). He was not alone—others in the Bible, like the rich young ruler and Nicodemus, wondered the same. Jesus responded by turning the question back: “What is written in the Law? How do you read it?” (Luke 10:26).
The lawyer answered, referencing Deuteronomy: love God with all your heart, soul, strength, and mind, and love your neighbor as yourself. Jesus replied, “You have answered correctly; do this, and you will live.” (Luke 10:28).
The Purpose of the Law
At first glance, it may seem like Jesus was saying salvation comes from keeping the Law. But the Law’s true purpose is to reveal our inability to keep it perfectly. We hang the Ten Commandments in our homes, but deep down, we recognize our shortcomings. The Law shows us our need for God’s grace rather than providing a checklist to earn eternal life.
Who Is My Neighbor?
Wanting to justify himself, the lawyer asked, “And who is my neighbor?” (Luke 10:29). Jesus responded with the parable of the Good Samaritan:
Law vs. Compassion
The priest and Levite were likely influenced by ritual laws and fear, but the Samaritan acted out of mercy. The Law alone cannot empower us to love our neighbor as ourselves. The Samaritan’s compassion shows that love transcends rules and expectations.
The Real Message
Jesus wasn’t telling the lawyer—or us—to “just try harder.” He was highlighting our need for help: we can’t achieve perfect love on our own. By inviting us to “go and do likewise,” Jesus calls us to embrace the mercy and love He has shown us.
Conclusion
The Good Samaritan didn’t worry about convenience or rules, he saw a need and responded with compassion. In the same way, Jesus meets us in our brokenness, offering grace and the power to love others. True neighborly love comes from letting Jesus transform us, so we can be His hands and feet in a hurting world.
Let’s choose compassion over comfort, and remember: with Jesus, we can become a good neighbor to those around us.
Finding Compassion Beyond Comfort
Introduction
Sometimes, when faced with someone in need, our first thought isn’t always, “How can I help?” We may find ourselves prioritizing comfort or convenience, just as I did when someone slipped on a wet floor at my workplace, and I didn’t want to fill out the incident report. This common struggle is echoed in the timeless parable of the Good Samaritan.
The Lawyer’s Question
A lawyer once asked Jesus, “Teacher, what shall I do to inherit eternal life?” (Luke 10:25). He was not alone—others in the Bible, like the rich young ruler and Nicodemus, wondered the same. Jesus responded by turning the question back: “What is written in the Law? How do you read it?” (Luke 10:26).
The lawyer answered, referencing Deuteronomy: love God with all your heart, soul, strength, and mind, and love your neighbor as yourself. Jesus replied, “You have answered correctly; do this, and you will live.” (Luke 10:28).
The Purpose of the Law
At first glance, it may seem like Jesus was saying salvation comes from keeping the Law. But the Law’s true purpose is to reveal our inability to keep it perfectly. We hang the Ten Commandments in our homes, but deep down, we recognize our shortcomings. The Law shows us our need for God’s grace rather than providing a checklist to earn eternal life.
Who Is My Neighbor?
Wanting to justify himself, the lawyer asked, “And who is my neighbor?” (Luke 10:29). Jesus responded with the parable of the Good Samaritan:
- A man is robbed and left half dead on the road from Jerusalem to Jericho.
- A priest and a Levite both see him but pass by on the other side.
- A Samaritan, moved by compassion, tends the man’s wounds, takes him to an inn, and pays for his care.
Law vs. Compassion
The priest and Levite were likely influenced by ritual laws and fear, but the Samaritan acted out of mercy. The Law alone cannot empower us to love our neighbor as ourselves. The Samaritan’s compassion shows that love transcends rules and expectations.
The Real Message
Jesus wasn’t telling the lawyer—or us—to “just try harder.” He was highlighting our need for help: we can’t achieve perfect love on our own. By inviting us to “go and do likewise,” Jesus calls us to embrace the mercy and love He has shown us.
Conclusion
The Good Samaritan didn’t worry about convenience or rules, he saw a need and responded with compassion. In the same way, Jesus meets us in our brokenness, offering grace and the power to love others. True neighborly love comes from letting Jesus transform us, so we can be His hands and feet in a hurting world.
Let’s choose compassion over comfort, and remember: with Jesus, we can become a good neighbor to those around us.
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