But [the expert] wanted to justify himself, so he asked Jesus, “And who is my neighbour?”
In reply Jesus said: “A man was going down from Jerusalem to Jericho, when he was attacked by robbers. They stripped him of his clothes, beat him and went away, leaving him half dead. A priest happened to be going down the same road, and when he saw the man, he passed by on the other side. So too, a Levite, when he came to the place and saw him, passed by on the other side. But a Samaritan, as he travelled, came where the man was; and when he saw him, he took pity on him. He went to him and bandaged his wounds, pouring on oil and wine. Then he put the man on his own donkey, brought him to an inn and took care of him. The next day he took out two denarii and gave them to the innkeeper. ‘Look after him,’ he said, ‘and when I return, I will reimburse you for any extra expense you may have.’
Luke 10:30-35 [NIV]
Some weeks ago, the Pope said Donald Trump was not a Christian, because he said he wants to build a wall across the border of the USA and Mexico. The Pope said a Christian would be building bridges, not walls.
In the story of the Good Samaritan, two religious people are featured, a Levite and a priest. If they helped the wounded man, they would be risking defilement especially if he was actually dead. If the priest is defiled, he cannot collect, distribute and eat tithes. It could take him two weeks to get ritually clean again, so helping would be a very costly action.
As well as saying who a neighbour is, Jesus seems to be pointing out that it is impossible to keep the law. It is impossible for the religious people to stay ritually clean, whilst keeping the law of loving your neighbour. Maybe the expert who asked the question wanted an easier answer. Maybe he wanted a neighbour to be a family member, or a close friend, and thus feel he was OK.
Whether or not Donald Trump is a Christian, Jesus’ definition of loving your neighbour is a costly one, and seems to be at odds with Donald Trump’s comments. However, where are your limits of doing what is reasonable for your neighbour? What is your response if you can’t live up to Jesus’ standards?
Know that God loves you just the same, whatever your response, but that neighbourly love is part of being a follower of Christ.
Jon Seaton
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