The Story Teller The Good Samaritan Day 2

Know Yourself

But he, desiring to justify himself, said to Jesus, “And who is my neighbor?” Luke 10:29 (ESV)

I have this insatiable desire for knowledge, in fact, I think we all do. It's why you can go into a book store and get a book or magazine on just about any topic you wish. It's why websites like Wikipedia and Google are so popular. We want to know more. But, how often are we satisfied with the answers?

Our text for this week is all about questions. The lawyer asks a straightforward question about what it takes to get eternal life. Jesus leads him to a straight answer, the famous “You shall love the Lord you God with all your heart...” and it ends with the equally famous “and [love] your neighbor as yourself.”

But the lawyer has a follow up question. He wants to know who counts as his neighbor. But what is he really asking? Is the lawyer asking so he can gain a deeper understanding of the will of God? Or is he trying to put limits on God's command by asking who isn't his neighbor?

Since the parable of the Good Samaritan follows, I think its the later. That leaves us with a question to ponder. When we read our bibles, listen to sermons and sing our hymns, what questions rise to mind? Conduct a check - do we ask the question so we can know God more intimately, or are we trying to place limits around what God is asking of us? God may be showing you something about yourself.