[Jesus asked the lawyer], “Which of these three, do you think, was a neighbor to the man who fell into the hands of the robbers?” He said, “The one who showed him mercy.” Jesus said to him, “Go and do likewise.”–Luke 10:36-37
“I don’t have the time.” ”Other plans were already made.” ”This is just too much of a risk.” ”I can’t handle dealing with other people’s problems.” ”I really have too many more important things to do right now.”
These are a mere sampling of my own responses to those who “fall in the hands of robbers.” Now, I’ll be the first to admit that the motivators of fear, guilt and shame are powerful and that it is too easy to succumb to such driving factors. Yet the bare truth behind Jesus’ familiar parable is that we all find ourselves in each of these characters. We all pass by on the other side, each of us comes through on occasion with the compassion of the Good Samaritan, and at some time or another every one of us is like the man left for dead and in need of mercy.
Rather than guilt or shame or fear, Jesus offers a more counter-cultural perspective. The only things more powerful is love. Love can indeed change the world…sometimes on a grand scale, and more often one hurting, beaten-up-by-the-world person at a time. Take it from one who was lying for dead on the side of a road: It’s a matter of life and death.
Peace,
Kris Gorden, Pastor
