WHO IS MY NEIGHBOR?

Newsletter 238 April 10, 2011

Luke 10:25-37 (King James Version)

THE LAWYER’S QUESTION

trap for Jesus that he could turn against him. Typical of many lawyers even today, this man was very familiar with the letter of the law, but not overly zealous of the intent. His purpose was to set a trap.

25 And, behold, a certain lawyer stood up, and tempted him, saying, Master, what shall I do to inherit eternal life? (Matthew 22:35, Luke 11:45-46, Luke 18:18-33, Matthew 19:16-22, John 3:1-15)

Of course Jesus knew the answer, but instead of replying, he forced his questioner to answer it himself by asking “What is written in the law?” “What do you say?”

26 He said unto him, What is written in the law? How readest thou?

JESUS’ QUESTION

Jesus knew how he would respond. It would give the man the opportunity to display his knowledge of the law.

27 And he answering said, Thou shalt love the Lord thy God with all thy heart, and with all thy soul, and with all thy strength, and with all thy mind; and thy neighbor as thyself. (Deuteronomy 6:5, Leviticus 19:18, Matthew 23:37-40, Galatians 3:10-13, Galatians 3:22-25)

28 And he said unto him, Thou hast answered right: this do, and thou shalt live. (Leviticus 18:5, Ezekiel 20:11, Matthew 19:17)

Of course, to break even one part of the law, was a sin, and no man lives a perfect life. Scripture calls the law a schoolmaster, and Jesus is introducing a new era, We are saved by the grace of God, not by keeping the letter of the law.

29 But he, willing to justify himself, said unto Jesus, And who is my neighbor? (Luke 16:15)

WHO IS MY NEIGHBOR?

This opens the opportunity to introduce a whole new concept to this conversation.

30 And Jesus answering said, A certain man went down from Jerusalem to Jericho, and fell among thieves, which stripped him of his raiment, and wounded him, and departed, leaving him half dead. (Luke 18:31, Luke 19:28)

The setting is important. The road from Jerusalem was seventeen miles of winding trail that descended three thousand feet before it reached Jericho. It was seventeen miles of robber infested mountains that people hastened to get past. One can hardly blame the priest and the Levite for not delaying. Every moment is added danger.

31 And by chance there came down a certain priest that way: and when he saw him, he passed by on the other side.

32 And likewise a Levite, when he was at the place, came and looked on him, and passed by on the other side.

The lawyer would have regarded either of them to be a neighbor, but it was a hated Samaritan who stopped, and it was he, who went beyond what was required to help an injured Jew. This was Judah and not Samaria, so his even being there put him in danger from the very beginning.

33 But a certain Samaritan, as he journeyed, came where he was: and when he saw him, he had compassion on him, (Matthew 10:5, Luke 9:52)

34 And went to him, and bound up his wounds, pouring in oil and wine, and set him on his own beast, and brought him to an inn, and took care of him.

THE WAGE OF TWO DAYS LABOR

He gave up his own supplies, and his own transportation, not only that, but he gave up the price of two days labor and promised more on his return should that not be enough.

35 And on the morrow when he departed, he took out two pence, and gave them to the host, and said unto him, Take care of him; and whatsoever thou spendest more, when I come again, I will repay thee.

This is where Jesus asks the question the lawyer did not want to answer. He went to the purpose of the law, not the words only.

36 Which now of these three, thinkest thou, was neighbor unto him that fell among the thieves?

37 And he said, He that shewed mercy on him. Then said Jesus unto him, Go, and do thou likewise.

Are we taking that final step? That is the one which counts. This is the application of the golden rule. Why we do it counts!

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READ THE BIBLE THROUGH AGAIN IN 2011
APRIL

10th. Sunday – Deuteronomy 23, 24, Luke 12:31-59, Proverbs 9:1-12
11th. Monday – Deuteronomy 25, 26, 27, Luke 13, Psalm 44:1-12
12th. Tuesday – Deuteronomy 28, Luke 14, Psalm 44:13-28
13th. Wednesday - Deuteronomy 29, 30, 31, Luke 15, Psalm 45:1-9
14th. Thursday - Deuteronomy 32, Luke 16, Proverbs 9:13-18
15th. Friday – Deuteronomy 33, 34, Luke 17, Psalm 45:10-17
16th. Saturday - Joshua 1, Luke 18:1-17, Psalm 46

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LOVE ONE ANOTHER

Several years ago at the Special Olympics, nine contestants, all physically or mentally disabled, assembled at the starting line for the 100-yard dash. At the gun, they all started out, not exactly in a dash, but with a relish to run the race to the finish and win.

All, that is, except one little boy who stumbled on the asphalt, tumbled over a couple of times, and began to cry. The other eight heard the boy cry. They slowed down and looked back. Then they all turned around and went back; every one of them.

One girl with Down's Syndrome bent down and kissed him and said: "This will make it better." Then all nine linked arms and walked together to the finish line. Everyone in the stadium stood, and the cheering went on for several minutes.

People who were there are still telling the story. Why? Because deep down we know this one thing:

What matters in this life is more than winning for ourselves. What matters in this life is helping others win, even if it means slowing down and changing our