Luke 10:27 and 29 ‘You must love the Lord your God with all your heart, all your soul, all your strength, and all your mind.’ And, ‘Love your neighbor as yourself.”

“The man wanted to justify his actions, so he asked Jesus, “And who is my neighbor?”

This ‘expert’ in the law was fairly sure that Jesus would give him the standard answer (“those of the nation of Israel”) so the man could walk away satisfied. But Jesus threw a ‘wrench in the works’ that day that has been shaking up believers ever since. In the parable of the Good Samaritan, Jesus was not trying to demonstrate how good these people, loathed by the Jews, were. It was about his actions. Did you notice the story never says anything about the nationality, ethnic group, or occupation of the guy who was robbed? The reason is it doesn’t matter. He represents anyone/everyone who crosses your path that is in need. When the lawyer asked Jesus “who” is my neighbor, Jesus instead showed him, through the parable, how we are to love. Why does Jesus never answer the question asked? Because it was the wrong question! It doesn’t matter who the person in need is. To show yourself a true follower of your Lord Jesus Christ, you must “be” a neighbor to all who are in need. How are you to do this? Just like the Samaritan, you simply meet the need at hand (even if you must employ the help of others, like the innkeeper).

Pray: Lord God, hardly a day passes when someone in need does not cross my path. Oftentimes I choose to merely see them from the corner of my eye and continue as though I didn’t notice. But you have not taught me to turn a blind eye to need. It is by our loving actions towards those in need that we show people true Christianity. Christ did not die for those he was closest to only. He didn’t only shed his blood for those who loved him. He met the need for everyone. If I am to be his hands and his feet in this world he created, I can and must do no less. Give me eyes to see the need, Lord, and the strength and courage to meet it head on. In the name of my loving and compassionate Savior I ask it – Amen