Christ told a story to the religious leaders of Israel when asked “who is my neighbor”

Luke 10:30-37

But the question that preceded “who is my neighbor” was “Teacher, what must I do to inherit eternal life?” The answer to this was quoted from Deuteronomy 6:5, “To love the Lord your God with your whole mind, your whole being, and all your strength,” and Leviticus 19:18, “you must love your neighbor as yourself.”

Now an expert in Mosaic law had approached Christ with this question (our equivalent to a lawyer) and in true legal fashion he sought to limit the extent of his responsibility by asking Christ to define neighbor.

Christ did not answer by saying the man or woman beside you, or the one who lives righteously, or those with the same nationality/view points/ religious affiliation/ sexual preference. No. Instead he took the burden off of the one receiving help entirely and placed it solely on the one who witnessed the need.

The two religious leaders in the story, the two one would expect or at least hope would extend aide, for whatever reason went out of their way to avoid the injured man’s need. Instead a Samaritan (whom Jews thought very little of) extended unconditional help.

Many times as leaders we are rushing from one crazy responsibility to another with little time left for real ministry. Perhaps we are so quickly rushing to our next business meeting we haven’t taken a moment to learn the name of the man sitting at the stoplight every morning as we rush by, but he has been a fixture in our day for years. Perhaps a friend is hospitalized and we are so busy doing “ministry” she is home and well before we have time to even call or offer up a prayer.

I have been guilty of being the Levite who passed on the other side. I had it in my head that I was busy doing ministry and in the process failed to see the opportunity. Rushing to my position where I felt nothing would get done without me I neglected the need placed in my path to truly show God’s love.

HOW PRIDEFUL

Ministry and leadership are never about me but the one I am serving- CHRIST.

Christ isn’t looking for another ministry, program or study for me to serve in. Instead He is requiring that I love Him with my whole being and that I act this love out toward and for my neighbor.

Who is my neighbor?

Anyone who has a need that I see and can meet. I must learn to show mercy. It’s time to step away from the busy cycle that I once thought was ministry and begin to truly serve my neighbors. It is time to focus more on being a servant.

Who is your neighbor? Be sure to share with us in the comments ways you plan to show mercy to your neighbors today.