Sunday 13 July 2025
Which of these three, do you think, was a neighbour 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.” (vs 36-37)
Background
Recently, before leaving a parcel for our neighbour, our Postie asked a question he said they now have to ask: "Do you get along OK with your neighbour?"
As we know, not all next-door neighbour relationships are good, and this question presumably arises from some parcels not being handed over, or complaints being made. Fortunately, the neighbours in question, who recently moved in, are friendly and helpful, as were the couple who moved out, and we have no issues with any of the other neighbours around our home.
Today’s reading widens and deepens our understanding of ‘neighbour’ and is typical of Luke’s concern for the vulnerable and marginalised in society. Samaritans, though their spiritual inheritance was in many ways the same as the Jews, were nonetheless seen as ‘beyond the pale’ because of a disagreement that went back many centuries. Travellers would avoid going through Samaritan territory, which meant that, coming from Galilee to Jerusalem, Jews would go via the Jordan valley, travelling the road from Jericho to Jerusalem referred to verse 30. It was a rocky and inhospitable highway. It may be that Jesus had just travelled that way, as Luke's Gospel goes on to relate his visit to Mary and Martha just outside Jerusalem.
The lawyer asked Jesus: "Who is my neighbour?"
Not only did Jesus avoid a direct answer by telling a story, but he also turned the question around. What the story demonstrates is how to be a good neighbour. Instead of a theoretical question as to how far love extends, the lawyer was given a demonstration of action that reflects love without boundaries. In place of a legal question about who he was commanded to love, Jesus showed that it’s not about law, but about a response to need – wherever we find it and whoever the victim might be.
To Ponder:
- Have you heard a story recently that has changed your perspective on an issue, a person, or a group of people?
- Is there someone near your home, work, or church, who needs an active demonstration of love today?
Prayer
Lord, open our eyes to the needs of those we come across today, and enable us to say and do the loving thing, whether that's a small gesture of care or a deeper act of rescue and healing such as that given by the Good Samaritan. Amen.
Bible notes author: The Revd Pamela Cram
Pam worked in several circuits and ecumenical posts in Wales before retiring in the Swansea Valley, where she is involved in a non-denominational community project; a church partnership with a Welsh independent church; and action for Fairtrade.