Who is My Neighbor?
26 May 2024
The question, “Who is my neighbor?” recalls a question asked by a lawyer to Jesus:
“And who is my neighbor?” (Luke 10:29)
Jesus responded with one of the most memorable parables in Scripture—the Parable of the Good Samaritan (Luke 10:30-37). This story challenges us to consider what it truly means to love others.
Understanding the Parable
In the story, a man is left wounded on the road. A priest and a Levite both see him, yet neither offers help. Why? Perhaps they were bound by religious duties, or social divisions made them cautious. At that time, Jewish society considered certain people “untouchable.”
“The Samaritan woman said to Him, ‘How is it that you, a Jew, ask a drink of me, a woman of Samaria?’” (John 4:9)
Jesus challenges these societal norms. The Samaritans were considered outsiders, yet it is the Samaritan who shows compassion. Through this parable, Jesus teaches that being a true neighbor means showing love and mercy beyond social, religious, or ethnic boundaries.
Religion of the Pharisees vs. Religion of Jesus
The Pharisees taught separation and caution—helping the “wrong” people could bring curses. Jesus opposed this teaching, emphasizing God’s universal love. In His ministry, Jesus consistently reached out to the poor, tax collectors, Samaritans, and even prostitutes—those whom society considered cursed or unworthy.
Jesus’ message is clear: the love of God knows no boundaries.
Relevance Today
God does not discriminate. He
“makes his sun rise on the evil and on the good, and sends rain on the righteous and on the unrighteous” (Matt 5:45).
We, too, are called to extend love to everyone.
Consider the first witnesses to Jesus’ birth:
- The shepherds: Lowly workers, considered socially impure, yet the first to hear of the Savior’s birth.
- The wise men from the East: Non-Jews who traveled long distances, guided by the Holy Spirit, to honor Jesus.
God’s call is universal, not restricted by culture, social class, or religion.
What Does it Mean to Be a Neighbor?
Being a neighbor is not about proximity or similarity. It is about action and compassion. In everyday life, we may hesitate to help someone who is different, or someone whom society discourages us from engaging. Jesus teaches that our love should extend even to those whom we might instinctively avoid.
“Truly I tell you, just as you did it to one of the least of these who are members of my family, you did it to me.” (Matt 25:40)
Our response to the “least” among us reflects our obedience to God and our readiness for His kingdom.
Conclusion
Untouchability—whether social, religious, or ethnic—prevents us from living the love God calls us to show. Like the priest and Levite in the parable, we risk missing the opportunity to serve God when we ignore those in need.
So, who is our neighbor? The answer is simple, yet profound: Everyone. Our neighbors include those we may not naturally associate with—the poor, the marginalized, the stranger, the “least” in society. By serving them, we serve Christ Himself.
May we reflect today on how we love and reach out to others, remembering that our actions towards the “least” of His family matter for eternity.
References
- Scripture quotations are from the New Revised Standard Version of the Bible. © 1989 National Council of Churches of Christ in the United States of America. Used by permission. All rights reserved.
- Voice of Prophecy – Why Shepherds?
- Understanding the Bible - Shepherds, Wise Men and a King born of a Virgin
- Photo Credit – Sympathetic Neighbor (Public Domain)
