The fact that this parable of Jesus still packs a serious punch is a testament to what an incredibly relevant story it was (and is).
The gist: a self-righteous guy wanted to look good in front of everybody and also test Jesus on his knowledge of the scriptures, so he basically asks what it takes to live in the Kingdom of God - what's it take to be "saved." This "Bible Expert" asks the question so he could answer it and be impressed with himself (while everyone else rolled their eyes...). He pushed it further when he asked Jesus who is a neighbor worthy of his love (he already missed the point, didn't he?).
The classic story is given, a creation of Jesus about a guy robbed, beaten, stripped and left for dead - no way to know where this guy hails from. The two people we would expect and hope to help don't. And the least likely person to stop and help, does the right thing and becomes the hero of the story.
It appears that Jesus was pulling a politician maneuver when he seemingly avoided the question about who is my neighbor when he asked who was more neighborly. However, a close analysis of the story helps us see that the story is told from the victim's perspective. The reality is that when we are in desperate need, even our enemies become our neighbors.
Sometimes we have to hit the wall so hard that it shakes the bias-colored glasses off our head, at which point we can see all other human beings as brothers and sisters. Neighbors regardless of race, gender, nationality, or religion.
Of course, we learn about what neighborliness looks like from the Samaritan, and at the same time are reminded that God inpsires even those we think might be heretical to do the godly thing.
May you identify with those who are victims in this world and lend a hand. May you see all people as neighbors, letting them be neighborly toward you as much as you are in return. May you call out the potential of your "enemies" so that they may become heros of the stories they find themselves in.
1 comment:
Great preaching Sunday!
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