Day: 30
Text: Luke 10:30-37
Introduction
In this parable, Jesus answered the question “Who is my neighbor?” with an illustration. He told the story of a Jewish traveler who was attacked, robbed and left to die on the Jericho Road. Two Jews – a priest and a Levite – both in the ministry, walked past him without helping. Then a Samaritan rescued him. No race of people was more hated by the Jewish people than the Samaritans. What this Samaritan did was nothing less than incredible. He even used all his resources -personal clothing, oil, wine, his time, animal, money, and energy – to attend to this Jewish man in the best way possible. He even risked his life by taking the wounded man to lodging in a Jewish area. He became the hero of this story because his action clearly defines who a neighbor is.
Life Lessons
- A neighbor is not identified by race, color, or creed. A narrow definition of neighbor is our friends and our loved ones. However, Jesus defined my neighbor as anyone with a need right in front of me -both social and spiritual needs – and that includes my enemies.
A neighbor is anyone you interact with, including those you know, don’t know, or disagree with.
- Excuses should not be used as a barrier to helping people in need. No doubt, the priest and the Levite had their excuses -it’s not safe lingering here, besides, he’s past recovery. The Samaritan would have a stronger excuse not to help – the wounded man would have no dealing with me, so why should I have any dealing with him?
- Love must be sacrificial. The Good Samaritan sacrificed his time and resources to meet the need of the wounded man. John 15:13; 1 John 3:16.
- Love must be practical, swift and timely (James, 2:15-16). The Samaritan did not delay or postpone his assisting the wounded victim (Prov. 13:12).
Life applications
- Love your neighbor as yourself – now that we know who our neighbor is. (Mark 12:30-31; Matt. 5:43 – 45).
- Be intentional and Christlike in your relationship with others. The Good Samaritan is a type of Christ. He condescended himself by coming to where the wounded was (supposedly his enemy) and attended to his need. Jesus came to our humanity and took it upon himself (Heb. 2:14). Next, the good Samaritan had compassion on the man and took care of him. Repeatedly, we read of Jesus being moved with compassion, and especially to the extent of dying on our account (Rom. 5: 6, 8) to meet our need of salvation.
- Live out your Christian life everywhere you go – at home, within and outside the church, everywhere (Matt. 5:16). The priest and the Levite in this parable fell short of expectation of their office when they came across the robbery victim. Don’t just be a professing Christian.
Lesson of the Day
Who is my neighbor? My neighbor is anyone in need, including strangers, regardless of their circumstances. The need may be social, economic and spiritual. Lord, give me the courage to recognize and help a neighbor in need.
Complied by: Pastor Eleazer Ekwue
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