November 9, 2020 – Daily Devotional
“Which of these three, do you think, proved neighbor to the man who fell among the robbers?” He said, “The one who showed mercy on him.” And Jesus said to him, “Go and do likewise.” –Luke 10:36-37
The story of the Good Samaritan is one of the more famous of Jesus’ parables. This great story is told in response to a teacher of the law who asked Jesus, “What must I do to inherit eternal life?” Jesus immediately responds with a question of his own. Jesus asks him, “What does the law say?” The lawyer proves to be a good student of the law. He answers Jesus with the correct response:
“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.” -Luke 10:27
The teacher of the law knew the right answers to the first question, but he was not satisfied with just one question. He followed up with a second question, “Who is my neighbor?” This question seems to really capture Jesus full attention. Jesus does not answer with a question, like he so often does, instead he answers with a story about a Jewish man who was attacked on the road to Jericho. If it were not for the kindness of a Samaritan man who was passing by the Jewish traveler would have possibly perished on the road that day.
The power of the parable of the Good Samaritan is found in its practicality. This story reflects a real possibility with very relatable characters. Each scenario is easily imaginable to those who were hearing it told by Jesus. What is challenging in this practicable story is how the listener’s faith is challenged when they see themselves traveling down that road to Jericho.
Jesus knew that the young lawyer understood the letter of the law. Jesus knew that he had studied the faith, but he wanted to expand his faith from knowledge to practice. The story of the Good Samaritan pushes us to see beyond just knowing the rules. This story takes us down a road where we see the heart of God at work within the law. This story takes us to a place where we see our role in working to bring the kingdom of heaven to earth.
Through this beautiful parable, Jesus reminds us that love is what motivates us, as a people of faith. As we study the story of our faith we see that love, mercy, and kindness are the foundations of God’s kingdom. This is what causes us to care for others when we see need around us. Like the Good Samaritan, we are called to be good neighbors, let us “Go and do likewise.”
-Rev. Keith King, Pastor of Worship
