Who is My Neighbor?

Parable of the

Wife Beater

“A man was walking through one of the subdivisions in

Fayetteville, and fell among robbers, and they stripped him and beat him, and went away leaving him half dead. And by chance one of the elders from

a local church was driving through the subdivision, and

when he saw him, he drove on by.

Likewise the preacher from the same church, when he came to the place and saw him, passed by on the other side. But a wife beater, who happened to be traveling by, came upon him; and when he saw him, he felt compassion, and came

to him and bandaged up his wounds, provided him medication; and drove him to a local doctor’s

office.

He gave the office $150 for the doctor’s visit and asked the

doctor to do a follow-up visit to ensure the man’s well being and said, ‘Take care of him; and whatever more it cost,

when I return I will repay you.’ Which of these three do you

think proved to be a neighbor to the man who fell into the

robbers’ hands?”

Introduction – Imagine if it had been the parable of the Drug

addict, Prostitute, etc.– The whole point of the parable is to imagine

anyone people typically despise today.

Introduction • It is not that we know the teaching of

God’s word, but the application which makes truth come alive.– The lawyer knew what many Pharisees

didn’t: to love one’s neighbor.– The lawyer – like us today – needed,

however, to learn the application of being a loving neighbor.

Introduction • Jesus – the Great Law Giver – taught

the practical application which we need to learn today:– He wants us to have His Christ-like attitude

toward all, not just to a select group.– He wants us to be a neighbor to all, not just

some.

• Some today (mentally) know the law just as the lawyer did: to love our neighbors as we do ourselves. Lk. 10:25-27– Many believers are willing to help our

neighbors who are in need.– We might even be willing to help a

stranger in a non-threatening or a convenient situation.

• But, our attitude simply keeps most from extending help to those we despise.– These people do not deserve help.– We may not approve of who these

people are or what they do.– This deficient attitude is how we try to

justify ourselves before our Savior.

• At this moment we justify to keep our conscience clean. Lk. 10:28-29– Many Jews simply hated Samaritans –

and justified their hatred. Psa. 139:21-22– We may not word it in like fashion but

we’ll look down with disdain those we do not approve.

• The problem with many is an attitude of exclusivity.– Among those considering themselves

faithful to God many do not recognize this mindset within themselves.

– Yet, they loathe many others who they see as apostate. cp. Matt. 5:43-44

• There is no difference among us today as it was with the Jews in the first century. cp. Psa. 139:21– Some are influenced by those with an

exclusive attitude. Gal. 2:11-12– This attitude extended toward

others we deem apostate. cp. Jn. 4:9

• Overcoming inconveniences.– Taking the time when others won’t.– Extending your energy when you feel

drained.– Going out of your way.

• Overcoming danger.– We justify away with human

reasoning situations we consider questionable, even dangerous.

– Yet, Jesus specifically chose a dangerous situation to illustrate who is a true neighbor.

Conclusion• Being an expert of God’s word does

not make us experts as doers of His will.

• Remember, being a neighbor to all (Matt. 25:31-36), is the fulfillment of God’s grace that has been extended to us.