The Good Samaritan

Jesus tells us in Luke 10 about a lawyer who wanted to justify himself by redefining who his neighbor actually is. But Christ uses the parable of the Good Samaritan to challenge everything we think we know about love and compassion. A man is beaten and left for dead on the road from Jerusalem to Jericho. A priest passes by. A Levite passes by. But a Samaritan, the very last person you would expect, stops and shows mercy. He bandages the man's wounds, gives him shelter, and promises to pay for his care. This parable shocks us because it teaches that everyone is our neighbor, regardless of who they are or what divides us. When Jesus asks which man proved to be a true neighbor, He answers with the one who showed mercy. Then He charges us to go and do the same.

We often hide behind our rules, our comfort, our reasons why we cannot help. But Jesus calls us to a love that costs something, a compassion that transcends our differences. Whether it is someone of another race, political belief, or economic class, we are commanded to love them as ourselves. More importantly, we must share the greatest gift we have received. Jesus is the true neighbor who came into this world as a baby, lived a sinless life, and died on the cross to save us from an eternity separated from God. If you have not yet made Him your Lord and Savior, this is your moment to turn from your sin and believe in Him. Will you go and do the same?