"Who Is My Neighbour?"

In Luke 10:30-37 we find the narrative of the story, told by Jesus, that is often referred to as that of "the Good Samaritan". A lawyer, with less than noble intent, had asked Jesus, "Master, what shall I do to inherit eternal life?" Jesus in turn asked him what was written in the law, and according to Luke, "And he answering said, Thou shalt love the Lord thy God with all thy heart, and with all thy soul, and with all thy strength, and with all thy mind; and thy neighbour as thyself. And he said unto him, Thou hast answered right: this do, and thou shalt live. But he, willing to justify himself, said unto Jesus, And who is my neighbour?" (vv. 27-29, KJV). It was to this question that Jesus related the story.

In our culture when we think of our neighbours, we think of people whose homes are relatively close to ours. Yet in the narrative we find Jesus teaching that our neighbours extend beyond those with whom we share anything materially common. When they saw the injured Jew lying by the side of the road, the immediate reponse of the priest and the Levite, who were fellow Jews, was to "pass by on the other side" (vv.31,32). "But a certain Samaritan, as he journeyed, came where he was: and when he saw him, he had compassion on him, And went to him, and bound up his wounds, pouring in oil and wine, and set him on his own beast, and brought him to an inn, and took care of him. And on the morrow when he departed, he took out two pence, and gave them to the host, and said unto him, Take care of him; and whatsoever thou spendest more, when I come again, I will repay thee" (vv.33-35). The beauty of the Samaritan's response is even more profound when we consider that at the time the Jews had no dealings with the Samaritans (John 4:9).

"Who is my neighbour?" As another Christmas approaches, and we think of festivities, families, friends, gift exchanges, and other good things, for the Christian the question becomes even more relevant. It is easy to forget those who rely on the food banks, those hard hit by the economic times, children who will go giftless, the familiar face we pass everyday of the one sitting with a cup or hat in hand begging for spare change. From Jesus' perspective, these are also our neighbours. As the Samaritan took care of the injured Jew, Jesus' admonition to the lawyer, and to us, is to "Go, and do thou likewise" (v.37).

Reach out and extend a hand to a neighbour. If you are a parent, it is also a great time to teach your child(ren) to look beyond themselves. On that very first "Christmas", God gave mankind His very best. In your immediate sphere of influence, why not do something tangible for the less fortunate around you?

From my house to yours, a very merry Christmas.