Pentecost Week Fifteen - A New Perspective

When we read scripture or hear bible verses we do our best to understand their meaning.  Sometimes, we are confident we know exactly what they say – or so we think. 
This is often the case with the bible story about the Good Samaritan.  Most people are familiar with this scripture and think it’s a story about treating others as you would want to be treated.  The Golden Rule.

But that’s not the lesson at all.  It’s actually a lesson about how, sometimes, we need to break cultural rules and laws if we want an Eternal Life in the Kingdom of God.
Didn’t see that one coming – did you!

Before we dig in, lets first stop for a moment rethink how our bibles are laid out. Hang in there – I am doing this for a reason.  

Now - this scripture is often called the “Parable of the Good Samaritan.”  Yet, Luke didn’t name his chapters!  That aphorism is a church invention.  If you examine the title more closely, you will discover the designation of a “Good Samaritan” is disparaging in tone.   – I told you this week is different.

The familiar phrase "Good Samaritan" sanitizes Jesus's radical original message, as the label "good" neutralizes the inherent prejudice of his audience.

If we want to get into the shoes of those hearing Jesus teach this – then his use of the Samaritan as a compassionate hero was in itself a shocking and subversive act.

Jesus was teaching this parable to challenge listeners to confront their own biases, rather than comfortably praising a convenient example of kindness.

You all ready to do that this week?

By doing so, we rediscover the story's true meaning: our "neighbor" is anyone we encounter, even—and especially—those we've been taught to despise.

Day 1: Loving God and Neighbor

New Testament: Luke 10:25-27
Old Testament: Deuteronomy 6:4-5

We are going to ease into this week. Let’s start with the foundation of this week’s study: the greatest commandment.

Jesus reminds us that loving God with all our heart, soul, and strength, and loving our neighbor as ourselves, is at the very core of our faith.

But what does this really mean? Let’s step back into history to understand the profound weight of these words.

Historical Context
In Luke 10:25-27, a lawyer tests Jesus by asking, “What must I do to inherit eternal life?” Jesus responds by pointing him back to the Jewish Shema in Deuteronomy 6:4-5: “Hear, O Israel: The Lord our God, the Lord is one. Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your strength.” This declaration was (and still is) recited daily by faithful Jews, serving as the cornerstone of their relationship with God.

The command to love one’s neighbor is drawn from Leviticus 19:18, which emphasizes justice and compassion within the community of Israel.

So, Jesus has already done something radical here in His teaching…. by combining these two principles, Jesus offers a NEW interpretation: love for God cannot be separated from love for others, even those outside one’s immediate circle.

Their minds were blowing up!!!  Why – because the lawyer’s question wasn’t just theological—it reflected a common debate among Jewish leaders of the time. Who, exactly, is my neighbor? Was it just fellow Israelites? Or did it include Gentiles, foreigners, or even enemies?

Jesus’ answer—through the parable of the Good Samaritan—deeply tested those boundaries.

Modern Context
Fast-forward to today, and the question remains: who is my neighbor?
In a world divided by race, politics, religion, and socioeconomic status, it’s easy to limit our love to those who look, think, and act like us.

But Jesus’ response reminds us that God’s love is boundless—and our love should be, too.
Think about it: how would your life look different if you truly loved God with all your heart, soul, and strength?

What if every interaction with another person reflected the same compassion and care that you hope to receive?

The call to love isn’t just a command; it’s an invitation to participate in God’s redemptive work in the world.

An opportunity to… be LIKE Jesus!

Reflection
Loving God and loving our neighbor are inseparable. When we pour our love into God, it overflows into our relationships with others. And when we serve others with humility and kindness, we express our love for Him.

Today, take a moment to reflect on how you can embody this dual commandment in your life.

Prayer
Heavenly Father,
Thank You for teaching us to love You with all our heart, soul, and strength, and to love our neighbors as ourselves.
Help us to see each person we encounter as someone made in Your image, worthy of compassion and grace.
Break down the barriers in our hearts that keep us from loving fully and freely.
May Your Spirit guide us to live out this great commandment, today and every day.
Amen.