Who a Neighbor REALLY is…or Should be to a Follower of Christ...

Sunday School Lesson, 1 18 09

Last week, we discussed the problem that we often (if not always) don’t really want God. Oh sure, we think we do, or we “sorta” want him…but many times, it isn’t evident. And we looked at Genesis 3 and how our “not wanting God” can play out in our lives.

Today we are going to start saying, “Ok, so I know I may not want God…what now?” And, “Why”? Well, here it is in a nutshell: As Romans 23 shows us, all have sinned. All have not wanted God. And we will continue to live in that place…until we realize (and not just “for the test”…) that Jesus a) was God among us b) lived a perfect life c) was killed on the cross as a ransom to pay for Sin (as in, capital “S”) d) was resurrected and lives on, and e) we need to, as a result, be completely broken (when we realize the gravity of all this) and make Jesus King of our lives…living as he did, seeking as he did, etc. But, as we will see, truly following Jesus is often not what we expect…or want…

Let’s look briefly (because I really want us to be able to breakout into Jr/Sr Hi groups to discuss today…) at a dialogue most of us are familiar with…but may mean more today than ever…

Luke 10:25-37: 25On one occasion an expert in the law stood up to test Jesus. "Teacher," he asked, "what must I do to inherit eternal life?"
26"What is written in the Law?" he replied. "How do you read it?"
27He answered: " 'Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your strength and with all your mind'; and, 'Love your neighbor as yourself.'"
28"You have answered correctly," Jesus replied. "Do this and you will live."
29But he wanted to justify himself, so he asked Jesus, "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. 33But 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.'
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."

Let’s start with this “law expert”. He “knew” what the law was; certainly of the nation, very possibly (due to the culture) God’s Law, too. Look at what he asks: “So, Jesus…what do I need to do for eternal life?” Hmmm…sounds like “What’s on the test?”, doesn’t it? Jesus throws it back on him, and then the law-guy answers some nice “book answers”. But, law-guy wanted more…and, honestly, I think he was looking for loopholes…sound a bit like us? I know I can be guilty of looking for what I can “get away with” when it comes to being a Christian…but that is the wrong way to approach this. Of course, Legalism (strict following of rules as the goal, NOT following Christ vibrantly and thus letting our life reflect that…) isn’t the answer, either. So, what is it? Jesus tells him…and let’s just say I’m not sure it’s what the law-guy expected…or wanted to hear…

Well, you heard the story. As often is the case (and a reminder that God’s ways aren’t “our ways”), the unexpected happened. Those who one might assume would be “religious” enough…walked right on by. But the one hated by the one left for dead (as Jews did NOT like, or even associate with, Samaritans) is who stepped up. And THAT is who are neighbor is. Not just our friends, or family, or “folks who look/act/believe just like I do”. Nope. Even people or groups you kinda wish didn’t even exist… And that is why following Jesus (if we really want to) isn’t necessarily easy or pretty…but oh, the amazing impact on others if we do!!!

Questions to Ponder, Discuss, etc.
• Think of a time (it doesn’t’ have to be spiritual) where all you were interested was, “what was on the test”… What was it?
• What are areas of life where we seem to look for “loopholes” when it comes to faith?
• What is at the root of us looking for loopholes? (like, why do we do that?)
• Re-summarize the story of the Good Samaritan… What do you think of the priest and the Levite? What do you think of the Samaritan?
• What are groups that, if a member showed you kindness like the Samaritan did, you would be shocked? Would you let them help?
• So, who is our neighbor again?

PRAYER: Spend some time praying about how we treat “neighbors”…for brokenness…for courage…for purpose…