Crossing Boundaries
Opening Prayer
God of Love, help me to understand Your heart and move in rhythm with You.
Read Luke 10:25-37
[25] On 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?” [27] He 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.” [29] But he wanted to justify himself, so he asked Jesus, “And who is my neighbor?” [30] In reply Jesus said: “A man was going down from Jerusalem to Jericho, when he was attacked by robbers. They stripped him of his clothes, beat him and went away, leaving him half dead. [31] A priest happened to be going down the same road, and when he saw the man, he passed by on the other side. [32] So too, a Levite, when he came to the place and saw him, passed by on the other side. [33] But a Samaritan, as he traveled, came where the man was; and when he saw him, he took pity on him. [34] He went to him and bandaged his wounds, pouring on oil and wine. Then he put the man on his own donkey, brought him to an inn and took care of him. [35] The next day he took out two denarii 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?” [37] The expert in the law replied, “The one who had mercy on him.” Jesus told him, “Go and do likewise.” Scripture taken from the THE HOLY BIBLE, NEW INTERNATIONAL VERSION, NIV Copyright © 1973, 1978, 1984, 2011 by Biblica, Inc.® Used by permission. All rights reserved worldwide.
Reflect
What does Jesus value?This must be one of Jesus’ most famous parables, but see what it is that prompts him to tell it. It is a question about the Law and the limits of compassion and engagement recommended by it. The expert in the Law knows that the twin commands of loving God and neighbor precisely sum up God’s Law. But is it sufficiently precise? The Law is less clear about who the neighbor in question might be (29). Geography matters here (30). Whether the priest and Levite are going up the hill for Temple service or have just been involved in it, they are set apart by the Law from anything like handling potentially dead bodies (30). After a quick look they can feel justified in leaving the man alone. Conversely the Samaritan, who was regarded as less committed to the Law, is filled with pity (a God-like quality) and is able to act, not legalistically but out of compassion. He takes responsibility and addresses the man’s needs by means of the good things that God has given to him (34,35). He leaves nothing to chance in his love of a neighbor.
Apply
Name some examples of where boundaries should be crossed in God’s name.
Closing prayer
Holy God, let my holiness be real and in line with Your heart and not man’s religion.
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