Samuel D. High
sdhigh@aristotle.net
-----Original Message-----
From: "Smith, Lynn " <lsmith20@Central.UH.EDU>
Sent: Wed, 7 May 2008 05:25:44 -0500
To: "Smith, Lynn " <lsmith20@Central.UH.EDU>
Subject: Morning Manna May 8-BP: Lk. 10:29-37; RBTTY: Lk. 24:36-53; II Kings 4-6
May 8 “Hello, Neighbor”
“Which, now, of these three, do you think was neighbor unto him that fell among the thieves? And He said, ‘He that showed mercy on him.’ Then said Jesus unto him, ‘Go and do likewise’.”
Luke 10:36-37
Wherever we go, we’ll find them there—waiting on us.
Our neighbor.
When we hear this phrase, we immediately think of the person who lives next-door to us or just down the streets. But, Jesus gave a new meaning to this oft-used word in today’s Manna—and it’s one we definitely need to remember.
Known as “The Parable of the Good Samaritan” (vv.29-37), most of us learned the story as a child; yet, it’s one that never grows old. And, it’s certainly one that needs to be taught (and embodied) more often than we do.
We know the Story:
“A certain man went down from Jerusalem to Jericho and fell among thieves, who stripped him of his raiment and wounded him and departed, leaving him half-dead” (v.30). Yes, we know it well—for, sadly, muggings and violent crimes are a part of our sinful, fallen world. . .a world in which man’s inhumanity to man seems to have no limits.
Likewise, we know how “a certain priest passed that way, saw the wounded man on the side of the road and passed by on the other side” (v.31). He probably was late for the morning worship service and had to deliver the message. “Someone else will help him,” he reasoned to himself as he traveled on.
And, who of us can forget the Levite—the minister-of-music, if you will—who was also running late for the service and how he followed in the footsteps of his spiritual leader (v.32). That doesn’t sound like any minister or church you know of, does it??
But, then “a certain Samaritan, as he journeyed, came where he was—and when he saw him, he had compassion on him. And, went to him and bound up his wounds, pouring in oil and wine and set him on his own beast and brought him to an inn and took care of him” (vv.33-34).
Powerful words, aren’t they?
Yes—particularly when we realize that the victim of crime was probably a Jew; why else would Jesus take the time to point out that the one helping was a Samaritan? Regardless, the point is clear: The one who stopped (the Samaritan) was a “Good Neighbor” to one whose family normally had nothing to do with such half-breed Jews.
And, the merciful Neighbor’s compassion didn’t end when he dropped the wounded man off at the inn. He said, “Here’s some money for his care—and, if it’s not enough, I’ll pay off his outstanding bill when I return” (v.35). In Christ, “Caring is Sharing” and our “neighbor” is whoever we meet, regardless of who they are.
Thanks,
Mr. Lynn M. Smith
Department Business Administrator
Department of Economics
204C McElhinney Hall
(713) 743-3802 (office)
(713) 743-3798 (fax)
LSmith20@central.uh.edu (email)
http://www.class.uh.edu/econ/ (department website)
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