July 13, 2025

Be A Neighbor

Pastor Rok Lee

Luke 10:30-37

30 Jesus replied, “A man was going down from Jerusalem to Jericho and fell into the hands of robbers, who stripped him, beat him, and took off, leaving him half dead. 31 Now by chance a priest was going down that road, and when he saw him he passed by on the other side. 32 So likewise a Levite, when he came to the place and saw him, passed by on the other side. 33 But a Samaritan while traveling came upon him, and when he saw him he was moved with compassion. 34 He went to him and bandaged his wounds, treating them with oil and wine. Then he put him on his own animal, brought him to an inn, and took care of him. 35 The next day he took out two denarii, gave them to the innkeeper, and said, ‘Take care of him, and when I come back I will repay you whatever more you spend.’ 36 Which of these three, do you think, was a neighbor to the man who fell into the hands of the robbers?” 37 He said, “The one who showed him mercy.” Jesus said to him, “Go and do likewise.”

Ten years ago, things were a bit different in Seoul, Korea. If you went to a busy subway station, you would often see homeless people at the entrance. Sometimes, people even asked for help inside the subway cars. Many people gave money to them. But almost no one said hello or talked to them.

One day, a father was walking with his son to take the subway. As usual, a homeless person was asking for money near the entrance. The father took out some money from his wallet and gave it to him. Then, as they were entering the station, the son asked, “Dad, you see him every day, but why don’t you ever say hello to him?”

We are often good at giving help to those in need. But sometimes, we are not good at treating them with respect—as people with feelings and dignity.

Today’s Bible passage is a conversation between Jesus and a religious teacher. Jesus asks, “Who was a neighbor to the man who was attacked by robbers?” But Jesus is not asking who the neighbor is. He is teaching how to become a neighbor. So today, let’s dig into the Jesus’ teaching on how to be a neighbor.

First, becoming a neighbor starts with seeing differently. A man had been attacked and left on the road. A priest and a Levite both saw him, but they just walked by. Then a Samaritan came. He saw the man and felt deep compassion. He went close to him and helped.

All three people saw the same man. But only the Samaritan saw him as a person, not a problem. The others saw a situation; the Samaritan saw someone who needed help.

When I was a child, I once got lost. It was raining, but I had an umbrella and wanted to wait for my dad to come home from work. I stood near a busy street. I was only four years old and had no idea where my father’s office was. While I was standing there, an old lady nearby kept yelling at me, telling me to go home. But I was just a lost child. I didn’t know the direction to home. She could call a police or ask me home phone number. But she didn’t. She only saw a problem, not a lost child.

In the same way, the priest and the Levite in the Bible saw a problem, not a person who was in need. But the Samaritan saw a man who was hurt.

How do we see the people who are suffering around us? Do we just pass by, or do we see them as people God is sending into our lives? Becoming a neighbor starts with seeing people the way God sees them. Today, on the way back to home, look again at the streets you walked this morning. You may see someone waiting for love. You may see someone who needs you.

Second, becoming a neighbor means giving up something. The Samaritan didn’t just feel sorry—he gave up his own things to help. He used his own oil and wine to treat the man’s wounds. He put the man on his own donkey. He took him to an inn and even paid for his stay.

On the other hand, the priest and the Levite didn’t stop. Maybe they were thinking about religious rules or time issues. These were very religious people—but their religion got in the way of love.

When I was serving a church in Korea, during worship, a church member fainted because of low blood sugar. Someone called an ambulance. A doctor who was worshiping nearby helped and went with her to the hospital. She, the doctor, didn’t know her at all. And because of that, she missed the entire worship service. Her Sunday plans were ruined. But does that mean she was not a faithful Christian?

Our religious passion should never block our love for others. Of course, we shouldn’t ignore worship either. But sometimes, to become a neighbor, we must even let go of our religious routines.

Jesus died on the cross for our sins. The Bible says that anyone hung on a tree is cursed (Deut. 21:23). Jesus became a curse for us. That means Jesus gave up His relationship with God—for us.

Becoming a neighbor means letting go of what’s mine. It means giving up time, comfort, or plans because of love and mercy. What is something we might need to give up today to become a neighbor?

Lastly, becoming a neighbor means crossing boundaries. After telling the story, Jesus asks, “Who was a neighbor to the man who was hurt?” The teacher replies, “The one who showed mercy.” Notice this: the Samaritan became a neighbor to a Jew. Samaritans were hated by Jews. But Jesus made the Samaritan the hero of the story.

Being a neighbor means crossing lines—of race, class, age, and gender. Jesus teaches that love is the true boundary, and mercy breaks down all walls.

In 2018, there was a tsunami in Indonesia. Many countries sent help—money, doctors, and rescue workers. Most Indonesians are Muslims. But that didn’t stop anyone from helping. Love has no borders. We don’t help people because of their religion. We help because they are people—friends—neighbors.

Sometimes, our hearts have barriers too. Maybe you feel like, “I just can’t love that person.” But may God help you cross even those personal boundaries. Jesus broke through the wall between God and humans to come to us. Now, as His followers, it’s our turn to break walls and reach others.

Jesus ends with this: “Go and do likewise.” This is not a suggestion—it’s a command. To become a neighbor, we must open our hearts and see differently. We must be willing to give up what is ours. And we must go beyond our comfort zones, crossing every barrier with love.

We are not just people looking for neighbors. We must become neighbors. Let us hold onto Jesus’ words: “Go and do likewise.” And may we go into the world today—ready to become neighbors.

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