Devotional Messages

DEVOTIONAL MESSAGE

Luke 10:36-37 – “Which of these three, do you think, was a neighbor to the man who fell into the hands of the robbers?”  He said, “The one who showed him mercy.”  Jesus said to him, ‘Go and do likewise.”  (NRSV)

When we read “The Parable of the Good Samaritan,” we give most of our attention to the Good Samaritan himself.  We may spare a feeling of pity for the crime victim and a moment of appreciation for the cooperative innkeeper, but we don’t think a lot about the other characters.  If we consider the priest or the Levite, it’s mostly to judge their lack of compassion action.  And since the robbers are quickly done and gone, they can almost seem like an act of nature.

But if we’re honest, we probably need to spend more time thinking about the priest and the Levite, because in situations like this we are just as likely to mirror their choices – passing by on the other side of the street – as we are to follow the Samaritan’s example.  Because in the actual situation, the looming threat of the robbers weighs more heavily on our hearts.  Are they really gone?  Are they lurking around a corner, waiting for another victim?  Would they take down our license plate number and come after us later?

Who is the neighbor?  The one who shows mercy.  Who is the neighbor?  The one who dares to show mercy, even in the face of possible danger.  Sometimes, loving our neighbors means taking the risk of getting involved.  Sometimes, the thing to do is obvious, like if someone is hurt and needs medical attention. Sometimes, it can be more complicated.  But Jesus is very clear that no one can claim to follow him while passing by on the other side.

Tonight, at our Supper of Substance, we will talk more deeply about what it means to follow Jesus by daring to show mercy and get involved.  I hope you will join us!  And if you can’t, I invite you to spend some time contemplating these questions on your own in prayer.