The story of the Good Samaritan is one that everyone is familiar with, even if you haven’t been around the church. It’s a teaching about how we should all love and extend mercy. Specifically to our neighbor. The question is asked to Jesus “who is my neighbor?”
Jesus models and teaches a master class on how and who to love. This passage sets the setting for loving the starving people around the world (and we should)… but what if this passage is also meant to highlight the Great News and calling to love our literal neighbor? Yes, the cat lady across the street or the guy at the end of the block who hasn’t mowed his lawn since March 12th.
God has placed you where you are not because the rent is cheap or the cul-de-sac is quiet. Jesus says “the harvest is plentiful but the workers are few.” God has you where you are because there is an outpouring prepared and our work begins with simply learning our neighbors' names, and praying for them until they meet Jesus.
