THE ONE WHO LOVED HIS NEIGHBOR
Jenna Worsham
Today’s Scripture: “He went to him and bound up his wounds, pouring on oil and wine. Then he set him on his own animal and brought him to an inn and took care of him.” Luke 10:34, ESV
Theme: The one who loved his neighbor “went to him” and “took care of him.” Let’s go and do likewise.
SIGNUP GENIUS
As I’m writing this, our school bus driver is having major surgery. While I often feel helpless in the face of a health crisis, there is always something I can do. That is, if I’m willing--like the Samaritan--to set aside my own plans and prioritize my neighbor (Luke 10:33-34). This week, loving my neighbor means adding my name to the SignUp Genius, making tomato soup and bread, and delivering it cheerfully, even during a busy season. I can see why the others in the parable passed quickly. First the priest (Luke 10:31), then the Levite (Luke 10:32) walked by without helping. Maybe they had plans, they couldn’t be unclean, and let’s be honest, they (and sometimes we) don’t want to be inconvenienced. It seems harsh when I read it in a parable. But how many times have I let the opportunity to help someone injured, make a meal, or contribute to a fund pass by rather than pitching in? Too many times, I regret to say.
DO SOMETHING
Often the excuse I use for passing by is that I can’t do all of the work or meet the high standard I have in my head. If a need is in front of me, I can do something. Just because I can’t do all of it doesn’t mean I shouldn’t do the little bit I’m able. What if the priest in the story had stopped to offer water to the injured man and waited with him to keep him safe? What if next when the Levite arrived, they discussed who could go on, take care of business at the temple, and send back a horse and cart to help the injured man? Maybe they would have decided that since the priest was already unclean, he would stay with the man. Next, when the Samaritan did come, maybe he and the priest would have joined forces to care for the injured man. Jesus didn’t tell that parable. Maybe because doing what you can, even imperfectly, is loving your neighbor. Passing by and doing absolutely nothing is not. If I didn’t have margin (or ability) to make soup and bread this week, I could send takeout or contribute a gift card?
Make It Personal: What small doable thing can you contribute this week? Maybe, like me, you’re no hero “Good Samaritan,” but you can buy a few extra groceries and deliver them. Or, you could show up with your family to help for two hours at a serve event? Maybe instead you can watch someone’s kids so they can serve? Or make a meal for a sick neighbor or friend? Whatever God’s calling you to do, consider what it would look like to do something, no matter how little or imperfect it may seem.
Pray: Lord God, Thank You for including me in the good work that You are doing. Help me to love my neighbor in a tangible way throughout this series and during this upcoming year. Your heart is for the suffering, and I want to join You in both big and small ways. You can and will provide for my needs as I go to my neighbor and serve. In Jesus’ Name I pray, Amen.
Read: Luke 10:25-37
Weekly Memory Verse: “Whoever oppresses a poor man insults his Maker, but he who is generous to the needy honors him.” Proverbs 14:31, ESV