Crossing the Road For Others
Read: Luke 10:30-37
Devotion: Jesus loved to teach through stories. He used his teachings to connect people to real-life situations and to help them understand deeper truths. One day, while he was busy teaching, a lawyer stood up and asked,”But who is my neighbor?”
Jesus, like Jesus tends to do, answered the question with a story. He spoke of a traveler who on his way to Jericho. Along the way the traveler was robbed, hurt and left on the side of the road. He needed help. As the man lay there two religious leaders came along to find the man on the side of the road. Instead of helping they crossed to the other side, avoiding him completely. Then came a Samaritan man. This man saw the traveler and he was moved with compassion. He stopped to care for the man. He bandaged his wounds, then helped him get to shelter. The Samaritan provided enough money to an inn keeper to care for the traveler until he recovered.
Jesus’ story shifted from the question that he was asked. He changed it from wondering, “Who is my neighbor to “What kind of neighbor should I be?”
In Jesus’ story the Samaritan was not defined by where he came from, instead he came to be known for the kindness he provided to a fellow traveler on the way.
Wonder: What kind of neighbor were the priest and levite?
What kind of neighbor was the Samaritan?
What kind of neighbor do you want to be?
Pray: Dear Lord, whether we are in our home or out on a summer adventure show us ways to care for our neighbors. Amen
Act: Pack a care kit to keep in your cars to share with someone in need. Use a gallon size bag. Let your family decide what to place in the bag. To start you off some ideas could include: add a bottle of water, food items like granola bars, Vienna sausages or nuts. You could add sunscreen, soap, deodorant, or bandaids. Complete your bag with a note of encouragement.