Who Is My Neighbor Really?

Author

Founders Ridge

For more information about the author, click to view their website: Founders Ridge

Posted on

Aug 13, 2024

Book/Edition

Minnesota - Twin Cities Metro Area

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Who is your neighbor? Have you ever asked that question? Maybe you think of those who live on either side of your house or apartment. Being a neighbor, however, is more than that. The lawyer’s question to Jesus sets the stage for what’s now a familiar story: The Good Samaritan.

And behold, a lawyer stood up to put [Jesus] to the test, saying, “Teacher, what shall I do to inherit eternal life?” [Jesus] said to him, “What is written in the Law? How do you read it?” And he answered, “You shall love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your strength and with all your mind, and your neighbor as yourself.” And [Jesus] said to him, “You have answered correctly; do this, and you will live.” But he, desiring to justify himself, said to Jesus, “And who is my neighbor?” —Luke 10:25-29, ESV

Jesus tells a story of “a man who fell among robbers” and was left “half dead.” The attacked man was in dire need of attention and care. In the story, the first two figures to arrive on the scene — a priest and a Levite — passed by. They saw him and did nothing, perhaps to maintain their own religious cleanliness for temple ceremonies.

A third person, however, approached, saw the man and had compassion. He was a Samaritan — someone Jesus’ audience deemed outside of God’s community for a variety of reasons. Compassion led him to help. He stopped, changed his plans, bandaged the man’s wounds and paid for his continued care.

Jesus flips the script on his questioner in two ways. First, he makes an alleged enemy (the Samaritan) the hero — the one who is faithful to God’s Law. Second, he asks his own question: “Which of these three, do you think, proved to be a neighbor to the man who fell among robbers?” The initial question — “Who is my neighbor? — misses the point. Being a neighbor is what the lawyer could do, showing mercy to anyone within his proximity. You can’t always choose your neighbors, but you can choose to love.

In fact, “Love one another,” from John 13, is a biblical framework passage for Presbyterian Homes & Services. Our work of love extends to all people. Every day provides an opportunity to love older adults and fellow coworkers with the kind of love Jesus presents in the story of the Good Samaritan. Therefore, let us be neighbors to one another through loving acts. This will lead to life now and into the age to come.

About Pastor Matt Anderson: I serve at Summerwood of Plymouth and Summerwood of Chanhassen. I’ve been with PHS 3 years. I currently live in Plymouth, Minn., with my wife Liz. We have two adult children. When I’m not busy leading Bible studies, preaching or doing visitations I enjoy playing guitar, gardening and reading.

The Light for the Way series provides staff with an examination of a biblical reading to deepen our focus on scripture. Thank you for engaging with this series as we seek wisdom through prayer and reflection as a Christian Ministry.

 

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