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"THE ROAD FROM JERUSALEM TO JERICHO"

December 17, 2009

Luke 10:30-37 In reply Jesus said: "A man was going down from Jerusalem to Jericho, when he fell into the hands of robbers. They stripped him of his clothes, beat him and went away, leaving him half dead. A priest happened to be going down the same road, and when he saw the man, he passed by on the other side. So too, a Levite, when he came to the place and saw him, passed by on the other side. But a Samaritan, as he traveled, came to where the man was; and when he saw him, he took pity on him. He went to him and bandaged his wounds, pouring on oil and wine. Then he put the man on his own donkey, took him to an inn and took care of him. The next day he took out two sliver coins and gave them to the innkeeper, "Look after him,' he said, 'and when I return, I will reimburse you for any extra expense you may have.' "Which of these three do you think was a neighbor to the man who fell into the hands of the robbers?" The expert in the law replied, "The one who had mercy on him." Jesus told him, "Go and do likewise."

The road from Jerusalem to Jericho was a well-traveled road. So far as we know, Mary and Joseph traveled it without incident. Jesus would tell a story about a man, however, who was not so fortunate. It would become one of His best-known parables. Jesus would tell it in response to a teacher of the Law's question: "And who is my neighbor?" The teacher knew the correct answer. It was the application that was difficult.

Jesus was about to be born into the world. He would love His Father with all His heart and with all His soul and with all His strength and with all His mind.

Jesus would love His neighbor as Himself. He does not pass by on the other side like the priest. He is the one who binds up our wounds, makes sure we're cared for, and covers the costs. It will not be convenient for Him; it will not be inexpensive for Him. To neighbor us will cost Him everything. He does so because He loves us.

He loves us, even though in so many ways we have shown ourselves to be His enemies. It would have been understandable if He had been indifferent to our plight. It would have been understandable if He had "had passed by on the other side" (Luke 10:31b). How blessed our world is by those who, when they see those who have been left for "half-dead" have not "passed by on the other side."

As Mary and Joseph continue their journey, they carry with them the One who would neighbor every sinner and show mercy to those in need. It is to us, as we travel our own road that Jesus says: "Go and do likewise" (Luke 10:37b).

THE PRAYER: O Heavenly Father, bless us so we may know Your love for us, and love our neighbor as ourselves. Amen.

Read or Listen to Today's Daily Devotion by Pastor Ken Klaus

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