Gospel

Is the Outcast My Neighbor?

by Roland Crim
03/10/17
Free to Share
Author requests article critique

  Message Writer
  Hire Writer

Tweet

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. A priest happened to be going down the same road, and when he saw the man, he passed by on the other side. So too, a Levite, when he came to the place and saw him, passed by on the other side. But a Samaritan, as he traveled, came where the man was; and when he saw him, he took pity on him. 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. 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.’ “Which of these three do you think was a neighbor to the man who fell into the hands of robbers?” The expert in the law replied, “The one who had mercy on him.” Jesus told him, “Go and do likewise.” Luke 10:30-37 NIV

Here we have a very familiar parable of our Lord. Herein Jesus teaches us that we must be neighborly to those we meet. We must treat others the way we wish them to treat us.

I believe there is another message contained within this parable. Notice that the one who was the neighbor was a Samaritan. I believe Jesus is pointing out to us that the one often considered to be an outcast is the one who is pleasing to God. Remember that God does not see things the way we do. What we often consider important is meaningless to God. What would you want Jesus’ impression of you to be if he looked upon you now? Would you want him to think of you as an outcast? I dare to say, that no you would not want that. The next time you set your eyes upon anyone and even remotely begin to think of that one as an outcast, just remember the above. Hopefully that will change your attitude and opinion toward that individual. Maybe you would even then dare to go up to that individual, start a conversation with them, and come to see the inner beauty of that soul. You are now seeing that person as Jesus sees them! Be blessed.