The context begins with one of the most important questions we could ask. What shall I do to inherit eternal life? This context does away with the notion that we have a non-obedient, non-trusting faith. The answer to the question is “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.” Thus, if one does this, they will live. Then the second question comes to mind, “who is my neighbor?”
It is easy to paint with a broad brush of generalization. We do this so often with the Jewish people. Many of them in the first century would most likely have understood their neighbor to be their fellow Israelites. Obviously, there is a much broader definition that God has in mind for His people. Loving our neighbor is not just loving those who are like us and those who reciprocate love. We should not believe that this is not happening today because it most certainly is. This is why we need reminders that we need to step outside of our comfort zones. We are not getting to Heaven in our own little bubble. This idea that we can just mind our own business, not spread the gospel, do only what is within our comfort zone, and just remain to ourselves is never taught in the scriptures.
Most who read this is familiar with the context of Luke 10. A man traveling is attacked and left for dead on the side of the road. As a priest sees this man, he passes by on the other side of the road. The same thing happens with a Levite, he passes by. You have two Jews, both of whom would be considered as believers and followers of God, who fails to show love to their fellow man who is in clear need. Yet, a Samaritan comes along and does not just pass by. He stopped to help. He cared for and demonstrated compassion for the man.
People are becoming too comfortable with passing by those in need of help because we are uncomfortable, or we feel that we are not capable of helping. This is wrong and we should not pass by on the other side. We need to stop, listen, and do the best we can to love our fellow man!
by Lee Elkins
