Jesus was tested by religious leaders with a profound question: “What must I do to inherit eternal life?” He responded by asking what they understood from the scriptures. They correctly answered, “Love the Lord your God with all your heart, soul, strength, and mind, and love your neighbor as yourself.”
Luke 10:28 “You have answered correctly,” Jesus replied. “Do this and you will live.”
With the key to eternal life in hand, one might expect satisfaction, but instead, the scholar asks, “And who is my neighbor?” This question reveals a desire to limit the scope of God’s command, notice “But he wanted to justify himself.”
Luke 10:29 But he wanted to justify himself, so he asked Jesus, “And who is my neighbor?”
Jesus then shares the story of the Good Samaritan, illustrating who a neighbor is through action rather than definition. He tells of a priest and a Levite, both religious figures, pass by a man beaten and left for dead. But a Samaritan, despised by Jews, stops, shows compassion, and goes beyond basic aid, ensuring the man’s recovery at his own expense.
Luke 10:36-37 “Which of these three do you think was a neighbor to the man who fell into the hands of robbers?” The expert in the law replied, “The one who had mercy on him.”
Jesus told him, “Go and do likewise.”
The scholar’s reluctance to acknowledge the Samaritan by name reveals deep-seated prejudices, yet Jesus’ message is clear: our neighbor is anyone in distress, regardless of who they are or where they come from.
This story challenges us today: Are we setting boundaries on whom we choose to love? Jesus teaches us that true love and compassion transcend all human-made divisions.
Who might you be overlooking in your daily life?
How can Jesus’ teaching reshape your actions and attitudes towards others?
Jesus leaves no room for ambiguity in His command, echoing back to verse 28, “Do this and you will live,” and then directly in verse 37, “Go and do likewise.” This isn’t just a suggestion; it’s a directive for living out our faith. Let’s embrace this call to action, extending mercy, love, and aid to all, mirroring the boundless love of Jesus in our lives.
