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A new school year brings about new opportunities to invest in the lives of awesome kids like those pictured below. Read about what's happening here.
We are wrapping up a great summer of ministry, and look forward to what the Lord has in store this fall. Check out more details in our monthly e-newsletter. In the Parable of the Good Samaritan,[i] Jesus challenged a skeptical Jewish lawyer to have compassion on those who were hurting. As you’ll recall, this lawyer attempted to justify himself by asking Jesus, “And who is my neighbor?” Instead of answering plainly, Jesus told him the story of the Good Samaritan. As a result, Jesus expanded the man’s understanding of neighbor while shifting his paradigm from loving other Jews to loving anyone in need.
So, what can we learn from this Good Samaritan?
There is no doubt that we have much to learn from the Good Samaritan, but he is not the true hero of the story. The true hero of the story is the Story Teller, Jesus Christ. Jesus is the hero because He alone justifies us from our sin. Therefore, we don’t need to attempt to justify ourselves any longer. By Christ’s blood, we have been vindicated, acquitted, reconciled, and forgiven. The cross is the best example of loving one’s neighbor, and Jesus is our True Good Samaritan. Because of the cross, we are set free to love our neighbors – especially those who look, dress, talk and behave differently from us. And we cannot help but feel compassionate toward our neighbors, our hurting friends, yes, even our enemies. [i] Luke 10:25-37. [ii] Ephesians 2:14. Happy Fourth everyone! Check out the latest ministry happenings in our monthly e-newsletter here.
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AuthorMy name is Mark and I am a husband, father, and follower of Jesus. I am a part-time seminary student, part-time vocational minister, and full-time missionary in Kansas City, the greatest city in the world. Archives
May 2016
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