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Who Is My Neighbor?
Luke 10:27ff
Introduction:
A. In Luke 10 we find recorded the story that is referred to
as "The Good Samaritan." The lawyer who asked Jesus the question
was not really interested in finding whom he should have
compassion for. Rather, we find out in Luke 10:29 that his
interest was in justifying his own actions.
B. This particular question has haunted mankind, in one form
or another, for as long as man has lived. What responsibility do
we have toward those around us? Do we have a responsibility toward
only our family or those close to us? Or does it go further?
C. Jesus confronted this question head on and teaches us who
our neighbor really is.
I. Context Of The Question
A. It was given as a test for Jesus - Luke
10:25
1. Probably was an
attempt to trap Jesus into making a mistake that could be used
against him
2. Might have been
done as a test to find if Jesus was really spiritually perceptive.
3. The lawyer's
reply to Jesus seems to bear out that he at least knew what the
Law required
B. Jesus turned the question around - Lk
10:26
1. Lawyer gave the
right answer - Lk 10:27-28
2. Must have felt
some guilt
a. Sought justification for actions and attitudes - Lk 10:29
b. It is with that introduction that Jesus relates the parable of
the Good Samaritan
II. Different Answers To The Question
A. The Thieves - "No one is my neighbor"
1. These rule by
"might makes right."
2. Lived by the
iron rule and took what they wanted by force
a. This rule, is, "Do to others what you would not want them to do
to you."
b. In other words, "What can I get from my neighbor?"
3. Ones in our
society that will prey upon the weak and unprotected
B. The Priest and Levite - "He's not my
neighbor."
1. Philosophy of
the priest and Levite was the bronze rule, "every man for himself"
a. Confucius, who lived about 500 BC, first proclaimed the bronze
rule
b. It said, "Do not to men what you would not want them to do to
you"
2. Of all people
who should have helped, it was the priests and Levites.
a. Were religious people
(1). Priest being directs descendants of Aaron
(2). Levites of the tribe of Levi who were helpers in the temple
service
b. Were comfortable keeping technical commandments, but not
comfortable with loving others
(1). Probably would have been very concerned if it was their
family
(2). Jesus condemns this attitude - Matt 5:46-47
c. This kind of person just doesn't want to be bothered by someone
in need
3. Also possible
these two considered themselves as "more righteous" than the
injured man
a. After all, they hadn't suffered God displeasure through the
thieves
b. This betrays a self-righteous attitude
C. The Samaritan - "He is my neighbor"
1. What did this
Samaritan know about this man?
a. He wasn't his friend
b. He didn't even know the man
c. He wasn't a member of his family
2. Why did he stop
to help the injured man?
a. Mercy
b. Compassion
3. Fulfilled both
letter and spirit of the Law
a. Micah 6:8
b. Proverbs 11:17
4. Lived the
"Golden Rule" - Matt 7:12
a. Notice moral superiority to any of the other philosophies
(1). Avoids doing bad things toward others
(2). Also actively seeks to do good
b. Priest and the Levite did not go out of their way to do
anything bad to the man beaten
c. Neither did they go out of their way to help
5. Had heart of
compassion for others - Eph 4:32
6. He went the
extra mile
a. Didn't say, after he provided first aid, "I've done enough"
b. Didn't say, "Let someone else take him to the inn" - Matt 5:41
7. Samaritan's
actions were, impartial, spontaneous, personal, unselfish,
sacrificial, and sincere
III. Lessons We Can Learn
A. Our neighbor is anyone in need whom we
can help
1. The Samaritan
was of a different race, nationality and religion from the Jews
2. Christians are
to have hearts of compassion for those in need, regardless of
outward differences
a. Gal 6:10
b. Matt 5:43-48
B. Utter hypocrisy of separating loving our
neighbor from religion
1. The first two
passers by should have helped
a. Were commanded to aid the stranger in the Law of Moses
b. Lev 19:33-34; Deut 10:17-19
2. Priest would
teach the Law and Levite would assist in the service
a. Forgot what they should have practiced
b. Devotion was for show and self-righteous
c. Not true love for God
3. James 1:22,
26-27
C. Is a cost attached to compassion
1. Look at how the
Samaritan was willing to risk much to help one in need
a. Crossed racial barriers
b. Risked being attacked by other robbers
2. Christians must
also be willing to pay the price of compassion
a. Must be willing to help others
(1). Even if we receive no thanks
(2). Even if we are unsure of their motives
b. Does not mean that the Lord wants us to be cheated by those we
know are cheating us
(1). Sometimes the worst thing for another is to give unlimited
assistance
(2). By this I mean, the golden rule would demand that we not give
a drunkard money when we know that he would take it and buy
another bottle
c. Could help in other ways
3. We must be
willing to sacrifice time and effort to help others.
a. The teaching on the "second mile" teaches us this principle
b. See Matt 5:41
Conclusion:
A. We can all learn from what Jesus told the Lawyer, "Go and
do likewise" (Luke 10:37).
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