Part of my daily reading plan today was Luke 9. But because of the way my brain is wired, I took a quick peek at tomorrow’s reading (chapter 10), which has a very familiar passage to most of us: The Good Samaritan.
As you likely recall, after a man is robbed and beaten, a priest and Levite both pass by the injured man on the other side of the road, refusing to help. A third man, however--a Samaritan--has compassion and takes care of the man. Not only that, the Samaritan locates an inn, gives the innkeeper money to take care of the man, and offers to repay any extra costs the innkeeper may encounter.
Seeing this passage reminded me of a question I saw online the other day, and it’s been sort of haunting me ever since: If your church suddenly disappeared, would your community notice?
Are we, the church, “the one(s) who show mercy” (Luke 10:37)? Now remember that this is a parable. I am not suggesting that you race over to your infected friend’s house and play doctor.
There are certainly tangible needs that elderly or vulnerable people have right now. And it’s good and right for us to help with as many of those as possible. Just yesterday, a small group leader texted me with a need for a medical supply. Minutes after getting this request, I texted several other small group leaders for help. No more than 30 minutes after the request, the item requested was hand-delivered to the front door. It was a beautiful picture of the church at work.
And that’s my encouragement: It’s not up to you. Rally forces. Call on your friends to help you help others. The Good Samaritan took the first step but needed the innkeeper (and who knows who else) to finish the task.
Beyond the tangible needs, however, are loads and loads of hidden needs. People are anxious, scared, and confused. Some are misled. Most just need someone who will listen. Can you fill that need for a neighbor or friend? Take some time to think through the people in your network who might be particularly affected by all that’s swirling around us right now.
And then consider that Jesus ends the parable by telling his audience to “go and do the same” (10:37). Will you obey?