The Parable of the Good Samaritan
Scripture Reading: Luke 10:25-37
The parable of the “Good Samaritan” is one of the better-known parables of Jesus. It’s one of those stories that speak to the listener on a number of levels. Some people read this parable and think about racism. This parable certainly does provide us with good reason to conclude that racism is not what God wills for us. Others read the parable and see a call to action against abortion or other social justice issues. Those who are able to care for the helpless who cannot care for themselves must do so. The most obvious interpretation of this parable is that we should follow the greatest commandment: Love God with everything we have, and love our neighbor as we love ourselves – our neighbor being the one who needs the love of God.
Jesus tells us, not who are neighbor is, but how we should be a neighbor to others. This story is a story about incarnational love – being Jesus Christ to others. Incarnational love requires sacrifice. Not empty sacrifice. Not simple ceremonial sacrifice. It requires sacrifice that hurts. Sacrifice is an essential component of this parable. Love in a fallen world almost always comes with sacrifice. Are we willing to sacrifice for (or love) those we don’t know? Scripture calls us to die and rise with Jesus daily. Dying isn’t easy.
New Community Church of Newaygo seeks, by the grace of God, to be Jesus Christ to the people of Newaygo. We hope to die more to ourselves and be alive in Christ every day. By God’s grace, we hope to reach out to the city of Newaygo and call the community to die to itself, but be alive in Jesus Christ. Come, die and rise in Christ with us this Sunday.