Getting Close Enough to See

Luke 10:25-37

"A Samaritan ... came where the man was; and when he saw him, he took pity on him." Luke 10:33. The lawyer in Jesus' story is sharp. He reads the fine print and wonders who has a claim on his time and on his life. Each of us might be tempted to do the same: Who really has a claim on me, especially in a needy world that is so impersonal? Jesus tells a story to enlarge our definition of what a neighbor is. He tells a story about a good Samaritan who cares for a hurt Jewish man because he wants the story to hit home to his listeners. In those days Jewish people thought that the only good Samaritan was a dead Samaritan. Even Jesus' disciples thought so (see Luke 9:51-56). Samaritans were despised and considered the lowlifes of society. In Jesus' story, two religious leaders see the wounded man, but they walk around him because they don't want to get involved and don't want to be late or made unclean for their religious duties. But when the good Samaritan comes upon the victim, he stops and approaches the wounded man. Being the presence of Jesus in our world today means getting up close to the needs of the world. We need to overcome racial barriers, religious, social, and economic differences. We need to be with people who may be different from us so that we can show Jesus' heart of compassion.

Questions for further thought:
1. What are some of the first clues that we are predisposed to selfishness?
2. What are some practical steps of accountability that could help prevent you going down that path?

Challenge: Pray this prayer…Lord, we confess that we really dislike feeling obligated to others. But your claim of love on us calls us to show your love to others. Help us do that today. In your name, Amen.