Being a Good Neighbor

(Showing Christ-like Compassion)

(Luke 10:25-37)

Neighbor

The word in Greek & English refers to one who is or resides nearby.

The word in Hebrew refers to a caregiver, like a shepherd, who feeds, protects, etc.

We have been directed by God to love our neighbor as ourselves (Lev. 19:18, Matt. 5:43, 19:19, 22:39,
Mark 12:31-33, Luke 10:27, Rom 13:9-10, Gal. 5:14, James 2:8)

Neighborly behavior is an aspect of the Kingdom of God (Isa. 41:6-7)

Compassion

Greek, splagchma or rawkhan, suffering with, a yearning within to help, to demonstrate intimate mercy

Active, Sacrificial Love, Unprejudice/Unjudgmental (Lev. 19:15), Concerned with needs

We are called to demonstrate compassion (Prov. 3:27-28, Luke 6:36, James 2:14-17, 1 John 3:17, Gal.
6:2, Eph. 4:32, Phil. 2:3-4, 1 Pe. 3:8-9, Jude 22-23)

Opposites: Self-centered, Hard-Hearted

God’s Compassion (Ex. 3:7-8, 34:5-7 (a part of God’s name), Lam. 3:22, 2 Chron. 30:9, 36:15, Judges 2:18, Ps.
78:38, 86:15, 103:13-14, 111:4, 112:4, 145:8, Isa. 14:1, 54:10, Jonah 4:2, Mi. 7:19)

Jesus felt/demonstrated Compassion (Matt. 9:6 & 36, 14:14, 15:32, 20:34, Mk. 1:40-42, 6:34, 8:2, Luke 7:13)

Human Compassion

Our best efforts and intentions to love and care for others will always be tainted with a mixture of
motives. Selfish thoughts and actions often color our relationships with others

The Robbers (Luke 10:30)

He fell into their hands

What was He to Them? Prey to be exploited

Stripped Him (Take from/Humiliate)

Beat Him (Abuse)

Left Him (Discard)

The Priest & The Levite (Priestly Assistant) (Luke. 10:31-32)

Saw Him

They were not unaware, just unwilling

What did they see? An unclean inconvenience to be avoided. Why?

 Passed by Him on the other side. Why?

To do no harm is not enough.

The Samaritan (Luke 10:33-35)

Saw Him

What did He see? A fellow child of God in need

Took Pity/Had Compassion for Him (Compassion)

Went to Him (Contact)

Bandaged His Wounds (Care)

Where do you thing the bandages came from?

Poured Oil (soother, Isa. 1:6) & Wine (antiseptic) on Him (Care)

Put Him on His Own Donkey (Care)

Took Him to an Inn (Care/Cost)

Took Care of Him (Care)

Left Money for His Care (Cost)

Charged another to Care for Him (Care)

Said would Return to/for Him (Care/Cost)

Pledged Reimbursement for Expense of Care Given Him (Cost)

He did not ask for repayment!

His salvation, like ours, was an act of grace. (Ro. 9:14-16)

Note: The lawyer’s question had a faulty premise. There was nothing he or any one can
do to be saved.

We are directed by Jesus to go and do likewise

What would/do you see?

Ministry is about compassion, contact, care & cost.

The Traveler

From Jerusalem to Jericho (Matt. 10:30)

A treacherous journey, like the life of “fallen” mankind.