Luke 10:25-37 (NRSV)
Read Luke 10:25-37 on biblegateway.com
Verse 25Just then a lawyer stood up to test Jesus. "Teacher," he said, "what must I do to inherit eternal life?" Verse 26He said to him, "What is written in the law? What do you read there?" Verse 27He 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." Verse 28And he said to him, "You have given the right answer; do this, and you will live." Verse 29But wanting to justify himself, he asked Jesus, "And who is my neighbor?" Verse 30Jesus replied, "A man was going down from Jerusalem to Jericho, and fell into the hands of robbers, who stripped him, beat him, and went away, leaving him half dead. Verse 31Now by chance a priest was going down that road; and when he saw him, he passed by on the other side. Verse 32So likewise a Levite, when he came to the place and saw him, passed by on the other side. Verse 33But a Samaritan while traveling came near him; and when he saw him, he was moved with pity. Verse 34He went to him and bandaged his wounds, having poured oil and wine on them. Then he put him on his own animal, brought him to an inn, and took care of him. Verse 35The next day he took out two denarii, gave them to the innkeeper, and said, 'Take care of him; and when I come back, I will repay you whatever more you spend.' Verse 36Which of these three, do you think, was a neighbor to the man who fell into the hands of the robbers?" Verse 37He said, "The one who showed him mercy." Jesus said to him, "Go and do likewise."
Devotion
Listening to the radio this spring, I heard a story about urban legends that are actually true. One of the true urban legends is that elephants really do have an incredible memory. Elephants are able to retain a mental map of their entire home range — an area the size of Rhode Island! Another true legend is that there are people in America who are homeless. To many immigrants this is unbelievable because their cultures do not allow individuals to live on the street. Cultural norms teach that it is their duty to take in family members who have lost their homes.
The question is asked of Jesus, “Who is my neighbor?” The answer is simple. Our neighbor is anyone in need. Many immigrants find it hard to believe that we have homeless people in the USA when that is the very person whom Jesus calls us to help. Who is your neighbor? Our neighbor is anyone in need of God’s grace and love through our hands and feet. Who are the people in need around you? Have you taken a look around you lately, have you asked God to show you your neighbors?
Prayer
Loving Father, you have called us to be your hands and feet. Open our eyes to see the needs of our neighbors and give us the strength and courage to be their neighbor. Amen.