Today’s word of encouragement is treating others with respect. Respect toward your neighbor is one that you may be close to, and it can also refer to someone that you have never met before in your life. In a parable that Jesus shared, it reveals clearly to us all what it means to treat others with respect, and what it takes to love others the way Jesus loves us.
Luke 10:29 "And who is my neighbor?" 30In reply Jesus said: "A man was going down from Jerusalem to Jericho, when he fell into the hands of robbers. They stripped him of his clothes, beat him and went away, leaving him half dead. 31A priest happened to be going down the same road, and when he saw the man, he passed by on the other side. 32So too, a Levite, when he came to the place and saw him, passed by on the other side.
It is interesting in this verse how Jesus uses a priest and a Levite; these people were considered “high-profile” in society during this era. The Levites were the only tribe who received cities but no tribal land when Joshua led the Isralites into the land of Canaan. The Levi tribe served particular religious duties and held political responsibilities. In today’s comparison they would be similar to those in high places in society, through politics, wealth, and religious prominence.
The word of God continues on, Luke 10:33 “But a Samaritan, as he traveled, came where the man was; and when he saw him, he took pity on him. 34He went to him and bandaged his wounds, pouring on oil and wine. Then he put the man on his own donkey, took him to an inn and took care of him. 35The next day he took out two silver coins 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.' "
It is interesting that Jesus uses a Samaritan, a commoner, a person who isn’t considered important in society. It is evident that Jesus makes it very clear to us all that it does not matter where we fit in to society, or what social status we carry in order to respect and love others. I pray that if we see someone in need, we would respond like this Samaritan.
Finally Jesus says to us all, 36"Which of these three do you think was a neighbor to the man who fell into the hands of robbers?" 37The expert in the law replied, "The one who had mercy on him." Jesus told him, "Go and do likewise."
Jesus makes it very clear to us all, Go and do likewise. I pray today that we would step out of our comfort zone, and help those who are in need and are desperate. Missions’ trips are ways we can bless others, but even those closer to home who are in need. God’s calling us to make a difference even blessing a brother or sister in church, blessing a friend in need, blessing someone is expecting nothing in return.
By: Shaun
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