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Who Is My Neighbor?

Lent begins this Wednesday, and I am eager for the journey ahead. Our Lenten sermon series, Iconic, invites us to explore stories and teachings of Jesus that have become deeply embedded in our culture. This week, we begin with the parable of the Good Samaritan (Luke 10:25-37)—Jesus’ response to the question, “Who is our neighbor?”

This question remains just as relevant today. Jesus’ answer was as surprising then as it is now: the hero of the story—the Samaritan—was the least expected to stop and help. Cultural biases and stigmas of the time made this story jarring. And yet, Jesus doesn’t simply answer the question outright; instead, Jesus poses one of his own:

 

“Which of these was a neighbor to the man?”

 

The lawyer who initially asked the question is confronted with his own biases and is forced to acknowledge the shocking conclusion: “The one who showed mercy.” Jesus then commands, “Go and do likewise.”

 

Too often, devotionals and sermons on this passage assume that we naturally identify with Jesus or the Good Samaritan. We rarely place ourselves in the lawyer’s position. But what if this parable is meant to challenge us—to reveal our own blind spots? Instead of framing the conversation as us vs. them (as if we always get it right), Jesus calls us to examine our hearts and extend mercy where we might least expect.

 

So, as we reflect on this parable this week, let’s not just hope that they finally understand. Instead, let’s ask:

            •           What biases do I need to confront?

            •           Who is my neighbor?

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