Luke 10:25-37 – What Must I Do?

In today’s culture it seems the majority of people only do the minimum to get by.  At work we only do the tasks that are assigned to us.  Stepping up and helping others?  Well, that’s “not my job.”  Young people in school seem to be there more for socializing and less for learning…only completing enough work to pass the class.

In today’s passage, the expert in the law seems to be asking what is the minimum I need to do in order to inherit eternal life.  The expert already knows the answer, but is looking for an explanation of what it means to love God and love you neighbor.  Who is my neighbor?  Maybe he was hoping Jesus was going to say, “those who live on either side of you – those are the only ones you need to love.”  Or maybe, “those in your same social class – those are the only ones you need to love.”  But Jesus tells a story of how we are to go above and beyond, going out of our way to help those around us.

We need to go through our day with our eyes wide open.  Instead of keeping our head down and not noticing the needs around us, we need to be aware of how we can be Jesus to those around us.  In being different than our culture, people will begin to wonder why – and this may lead to conversations about faith and salvation.  Our being aware of the needs of others may become life and death situations…the eternal life or death of those around us.

Go today – and Love God and Love People…God will do the rest.

I’m praying for you!

Pastor Amy