September 8, 2019

WHO IS MY NEIGHBOR?
September 08, 2019
Pastor Jonathan Falwell

 

Last week’s opener was a perfect segue for today’s sermon, so we’ll tweak it some and begin! Have you had a new opportunity this week to do a good deed for someone you didn’t know? Can you share your experience, telling what happened?

This past week brought a number of opportunities for our community to put a brand new series, “Who Is My Neighbor?” into action as Hurricane Dorian obliterated much both at home and in the Bahamas. We were able to minister to people we had never met, who live much differently, yet whose basic needs—food, shelter and salvation—are the same as ours. Today, we look forward to examining the Scriptures closely to see what loving our neighbor looks like.

Key Verse: Matthew 22:37-39: Jesus said to him, “You shall love the Lord your God with all your heart, with all your soul, and with all your mind. This is the first and great commandment. And the second is like it: You shall love your neighbor as yourself.”

Focal Passage: Matthew 22:34-40; also, Luke 10:25-29.

“Who is my neighbor?”

• Read Luke 10:25-29. This alternate passage contains a final question not asked in Matthew’s account. What was the lawyer’s attitude in verse 25? As he still desires to “justify himself,” what seems his motive as he asks his question in verse 29?
• The Greek word for neighbor is Plesion; does anyone recall what it means?
• Why did the Jews believe it meant neighbor as in those close by?

The Three Travelers—The Parable of the Good Samaritan

• Read Luke 10:30-31. What was the attitude of the Priest?
• Read verse 32. How was the Levite different than the Priest?
• Read verses 33-35. What was the motive for the Samaritan? How was he like Christ?

A Current Re-telling!

For the older people, this parable has formed the basics of Sunday School lessons from earliest childhood. For those who are young, most of whom have never walked from their own town to the next, have seldom walked when they could have ridden, or have seldom, if ever, left home without the trusty cell phone to update unforeseen events for posting to Facebook, here is a modern-day re-telling of this story:

John Israel jumped into his vintage Mustang while tossing his groceries into the back seat. He had driven less than a mile when he heard a loud explosion under his hood, followed by a force of metal against metal. His knowledge of cars gave him enough sad sense to know he had probably thrown a rod, and his car was finished. Grabbing his keys and cell phone, he began walking down the dimly lit road.

He had not gone far when the revving motor of an oncoming vehicle slowed, then stopped. Two large muscle-built males spent ten minutes of fun and games, beating him numb, stealing all his possessions, stripping his car, then leaving him in the ditch, half dead.

John’s agony was great. He was vaguely aware that a car, headed toward his body, slowed somewhat. Suddenly it swerved to the other lane, leaving, in a peal of tires. The glimpse of the car was enough for him to realize it belonged to the powerful _______________ (fill in the blank: political, ethnic, religious, etc.), whom John had often extolled as Mr. Perfect. He felt worse. Soon his pounding head heard the low whine of another vehicle, which slowed and rolled almost to a stop. He had a moment to meet the eyes of ________________ (another hi-profile person), whom John had helped on his rise up the corporate ladder! The man had his driver pull away quickly, leaving the scene. John’s torture was greater with the intentional unkindness of his two heroes.

Quietly a third car loomed on the road, and the driver, alone, had to slowly pull onto the shoulder to get out and check on John. With tender, experienced motions, he examined John’s bones, and checked his cuts and lacerations.  As he returned to his car for first aid supplies, John was able to get a quick look at his benefactor. No! It was _________________ (a man he couldn’t stand), whom he detested! Yet what could he do? As he returned and met John’s eyes, John saw a tender look of sympathy and—something else. Could it be compassion? Slowly he was picked up and carried to the car, where he was gently laid, then driven to the nearest hotel.

John realized his body was being cared for almost as if by a doctor. Then he was washed, fresh linens put on, and room service was called for a late meal. Later, his “angel” told him he would be back in a couple of days, but the room, room service, and any other needs he might have were taken care of. John turned his head and cried.

Closing:

Which were you?

• None of us like to think that we are cold-hearted, but—which would you be? You can answer between you and God.
• Neighbors are on both sides of the street. Had you been John Jerusalem, would you have been able to accept help from Joe Samaritan—whom you didn’t love?
• Who are your neighbors?

Who are MY neighbors?
1)Those who live CLOSE BY
2) Those who live FAR AWAY
3) Those who are LIKE US
4) Those who are NOT LIKE US
5) People we LIKE
6) People we DON’T LIKE