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.” (Luke 10:25-37)
Today we begin our reflections on the Discipline of Service as we consider the theme A World in Need. Later this week we will consider the Discipline of Stewardship.
Jesus taught powerful lessons through parables. The parable of the Good Samaritan is certainly a fitting story for us to think about as we consider the Discipline of Service in the context of current global events. With Covid-19 wreaking havoc we certainly have a world in need – a world desperate for good Samaritans.
Media outlets are rightly applauding health service workers and others at the front line of addressing the human tragedy we are observing. As commendable as these actions are though, they pale in comparison to the sacrifice Jesus made for humanity. The standard of service expected of followers of Jesus is, therefore, very high.
Please prayerfully read the passage above and consider the question below.
Question
What are some of the ways that Christians can serve as good neighbors in the current crisis?