Who Is My Neighbor?

Luke 10:25–37 -
 
Exposition
We often ask questions not to gain understanding, but to justify ourselves. That’s what the lawyer does when he asks Jesus, “Who is my neighbor?” He wants boundaries. Jesus gives him a story.

The parable of the Good Samaritan is disorienting. The expected heroes—the priest and Levite—walk by. The outsider, the Samaritan, is moved with compassion. He draws near. He touches wounds. He pays the price. Jesus finishes with the real question: “Which of these proved to be a neighbor?” (v.36)

In other words, don’t ask who deserves your love. Ask what love requires of you. Jesus redefines neighbor—not as someone in your category, but someone in your path.

Application
This parable is not just a moral tale. It is a picture of the gospel. Jesus is the truer Samaritan, who sees us bleeding by the side of the road, comes to us, binds our wounds, and pays for our healing at His own expense.

And now, He says, “Go and do likewise.” This might mean stopping for someone in crisis, forgiving someone hard to love, or giving time and money where it costs. Love is not theoretical. It’s always practical.

Transform Our Heart Through Prayer
Jesus, you did not pass us by. You came with mercy and healing. Make us like you—ready to stop, to help, to give. Expand our hearts to see our neighbors not as categories, but as beloved people you died to save.
 Amen.