Wednesday, July 9, 2025  

Today's Scripture
Luke 10:25–37

Just then a lawyer stood up to test Jesus. “Teacher,” he said, “what must I do to inherit eternal life?” He said to him, “What is written in the law? What do you read there?” He answered, “You shall 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 your neighbor as yourself.” And he said to him, “You have given the right answer; do this, and you will live.” But wanting to justify himself, he asked Jesus, “And who is my neighbor?” Jesus replied, “A man was going down from Jerusalem to Jericho, and fell into the hands of robbers, who stripped him, beat him, and went away, leaving him half dead. Now by chance a priest was going down that road; and when he saw him, he passed by on the other side. So likewise a Levite, when he came to the place and saw him, passed by on the other side. But a Samaritan while traveling came near him; and when he saw him, he was moved with pity. He went to him and bandaged his wounds, having poured oil and wine on them. Then he put him on his own animal, brought him to an inn, and took care of him. The next day he took out two denarii, gave them to the innkeeper, and said, ‘Take care of him; and when I come back, I will repay you whatever more you spend.’ Which of these three, do you think, was a neighbor to the man who fell into the hands of the robbers?” He said, “The one who showed him mercy.” Jesus said to him, “Go and do likewise.” (NRSV)

Reflection

And so, the lessons to be learned from this parable are to “Love your neighbor as yourself” and be the Good Samaritan — not those unfeeling hypocrites that dared walk by. That’s easy enough. If I ever find someone lying in a ditch, I will help, I promise, or I’ll at least use my phone and call for help. I am a Good Samaritan, or am I?

The story is an empowering lesson about my responsibility to care for others. It is also a lesson that is often the opposite of what I hear and see every day in the people around me, on social media, on TV, or maybe even at home. I may be ready to pick up that victim in the ditch, but am I equally willing to stand up to a bully? Will I speak out against abusive political statements about racism, sexism, and homophobia, or do I try to quietly try to mind my own business and cross to the other side of the road?

Prayer

Lord, may I show compassion like the Good Samaritan. Open my eyes and heart so I may defend the vulnerable and protect the oppressed. Fill me with your Spirit so I defend all people as my neighbors. Amen.

Written by Linda Gibboney, Member of Fourth Presbyterian Church

Reflection and Prayer © Fourth Presbyterian Church

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