The question, “Who is my neighbor?” is an inquiry that stems from one of Jesus’ most famous parables in the New Testament, the Parable of the Good Samaritan (Luke 10:29-37). In this parable, Jesus redefines the understanding of a “neighbor” to extend beyond geographical or tribal borders, radically extending the scope of love and empathy in our lives. Today, we examine this parable to understand its historical context, theological implications, and the practical applications for Christians today.
A Needed Clarification: The Historical Context
When a lawyer asked Jesus, “Who is my neighbor?” in Luke 10:29, he wasn’t just sparking small talk. The lawyer was attempting to validate his limited scope of “neighbor” which was a common interpretation of the Law of Moses during Jesus’ time. In Leviticus 19:18, it instructs, “You shall not take vengeance or bear a grudge against the sons of your own people, but you shall love your neighbor as yourself: I am the LORD.” The term “neighbor” was often interpreted to only refer to fellow Jews.
The Parable of the Good Samaritan: A Radical Redefinition
In reply to the question, Jesus told the Parable of the Good Samaritan, a story of a Samaritan, a group despised by the Jews, helping a robbed and beaten Jewish man left ignored by a priest and a Levite. This Samaritan man treated the wounded man with kindness and generosity, providing for him without hesitation.
In this parable, Jesus redefines the term “neighbor”. The Samaritan, a foreigner and scorned by Jewish society, becomes the true neighbor because he exhibits love and compassion, neglecting racial, social, or religious boundaries.
Theological Implications of the Neighbor
Theologically, this parable signifies a radical reinterpretation of the second greatest commandment: “Love your neighbor as yourself” (Mark 12:31). This commandment is not limited to loving those who look like us, speak like us, or share our faith. Instead, everyone we encounter is our neighbor, and we are called to extend love and compassion to all, without exceptions.
This parable underscores the concept of ‘Imago Dei’, the belief that every human being is created in the image of God (Genesis 1:27). By extending our understanding of ‘neighbor’, we acknowledge the inherent dignity, worth, and love that God extends to every individual.
Who is My Neighbor Today: Practical Applications
In our contemporary context, we find ‘neighbors’ everywhere: in our workplaces, schools, our online communities, and even in nations and cultures beyond our borders. This challenges us to look beyond our comfort zones, operating with empathy and love outside of our familiar communities.
Our neighbors include refugees, immigrants, those of other races, religions, and socioeconomic backgrounds, and those whose political ideologies differ from ours. The parable calls us to love these neighbors actively, offering understanding, help, support, and advocacy when needed.
Conclusion: Extending Christian Love to Our Neighbors
The answer to “Who is my neighbor?” according to the Bible, invites us to a paradigm shift in our understanding of relationships. The stranger, the foreigner, or anyone out of our immediate circles of proximity or affinity, is also our neighbor. We are asked to embody the radical love and compassion of the Good Samaritan, reflecting God’s own love for humanity, regardless of religion, nationality, or socio-economic status.
This interpretation of the term ‘neighbor’ offers a potent response to issues of division, stratification, and dehumanization in our modern world. By loving our neighbors as ourselves – all neighbors – we participate in God’s kingdom, building a world that reflects divine love, justice, and unity.
