July 14, 2019
Luke 10:29-37 … “But a Samaritan while traveling came near him; and when he saw him, he was moved with pity.” vs. 33
There are a lot of reasons for not getting involved when we encounter people in need, and none of them are acceptable when we claim to be followers of Jesus. His parable about the Samaritan who went the second mile in tending for the victim of violence, needs virtually no explanation. It’s obvious who is demonstrating love of God and neighbor, and it’s not the religious folks. It’s a story that is particularly relevant as we deal with the humanitarian crisis on our southern border. There’s been a ton of finger-pointing as politicians and officials have tried to deal with the flood of refugees at border crossings. National figures from the right and the left have gone to the camps for televised visits and speeches. Many are simply trying to score political points with their constituents. In the meantime, desperate families are suffering, parents have been separated from their children, and shelters are being overwhelmed. Some blame the victims—they should have never left their homes. Others blame the system—there is no comprehensive strategy. Many humanitarian groups are there too, some of them followers of Jesus. They’ve come not to score political points, but simply to help wounded, hurting people. They offer medicine, food, clothing, shelter—it’s what Good Samaritans do—it’s what anyone does who truly loves their neighbor.
Thought for the Day: What keeps people from being Good Samaritans?
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