“Which of these three do you think was a neighbor to the man who fell into the hands of robbers?” Jesus asked. – Luke 10:36
The parable of the Good Samaritan that Jesus tells (Luke 10:25-37) is one that seems foreign to some Christ followers in today’s culture. Few things hinder the spreading of the Gospel more and hinder the leading of people to Christ than the sins of pride and self-righteousness.
As Jesus narrates this parable to the Jewish scribe, we can almost feel the tension in the room building. Not from Jesus, of course, but rather the scribe and the religious leaders clinging to his every word, desperately wanting to hear this man, who people were referring to as the Messiah, speak contrarily to Mosaic Law.
But their opportunity to trap him would not come on this day. The trap the scribe was setting for Jesus would end up catching the trapper himself, and in doing so reveal their legalistic, self-righteous hearts.
“Which of these three do you think was a neighbor to the man who fell into the hands of robbers?” Jesus asked. The scribe replied, “The one who had mercy on him.” Jesus replied, “Go and do likewise.”
As Christians, we would do well to remember that God loves us all equally, regardless of our past, our socioeconomic status, our ethnicity, and even our salvation status. John reminds us in one of the most-quoted Bible verses in history, “That God so loved the world that he gave his one and only Son, that whosoever believes in him shall not perish but have eternal life.” (John 3:16)
Over 2000 years ago, the scribes and Pharisees refused to acknowledge that the “neighbor” Jesus was referring to in Luke 10:27 was anyone they encountered on their everyday activities, including those who they disagreed with! Sadly, we see the same legalistic, self-righteous attitude in the world today from many who claim to follow Christ.
What the Pharisees couldn’t see then is the same thing that some of us struggle to see today: others through the eyes of Jesus. He didn’t shun the sinners and tax collectors. He spent time and ate with them. He prayed for them, healed them, and blessed them. Jesus understood that they weren’t to be neglected or looked down on, and that they were just as important as his most loyal disciples. Jesus never once turned his back on anyone but satan.
Who do we see in our everyday activities today that isn’t worthy of our time and help? Which one do we decide deserves our love and kindness? Is it the one who looks like us? Thinks, talks, and acts like us? Has the same political beliefs as us? Practices the same religion as us? It might be human nature to allow our differences to divide us into groups and categories, but Jesus calls us to put our human nature to death and assume the character and nature of Christ.
None of us can save ourselves, friend. For all of us have sinned and fallen short of God’s glorious standard. (Romans 3:23)
Who is my neighbor? Every single person I encounter, says Jesus.
Former Blackout Artist 