Who Is My Neighbor?

Who Is My Neighbor? Luke 10:29-37 August 25, 2018 The Story: Fred Rogers (1928-2003) was born into a wealthy family who were committed Christians. Fred was headed to the Presbyterian ministry, but spent time researching & developing educational television for children. He did earn his seminary degree but was ordained/commissioned to “The Ministry of Television.” The World-View, Values, and Lessons of Fred Rogers: 1. One of Fred’s friends said, “He preached without preaching a sermon.” 2. “Neighborhood” debuted during the Tet Offensive in Viet Nam War. Fred chose to work with themes like conflict & making peace. 3. “Fred’s theology was love your neighbor and love yourself. And he saw that communication as the most deeply spiritual thing he could be doing.” – a friend 4. Fred Rogers– “I think silence is one of the greatest gifts we have.” 5. Neighborhood? That’s where you’re safe. You’re taken care of and you belong. 6. His view of Sin: “I think those who would try to make you feel less than who you are – that is the greatest evil.” – Fred Rogers 7. Who caught Fred’s attention: “The people who’ve had a lot of struggle in their lives. Those are the ones who impress me.” 8. Life is better when you do it with others. “What really matters is helping others…” v “I'll Keep My Distance.” “…he passed by on the other side.” Luke 10:31 v "I'm Curious But Will Stay Uninvolved.” So likewise a Levite, when he came to the place and saw him, passed by on the other side. Luke 10:32 (ESV) 32 v “I'll Treat Others How I Want to be Treated.” But a Samaritan, as he journeyed, came to where he was, and when he saw him, he had compassion. Luke 10:33 33 HOW CAN I BECOME A KINDER PERSON? 1. SEE THE NEEDS OF PEOPLE AROUND ME. “When he saw him he had compassion.” Luke 10:33b Let no one seek his own good, but the good of his neighbor. 1 Corinthians 10:24 (ESV) 2. SYMPATHIZE WITH PEOPLE’S PAIN. God is the One … 4 who comforts us in all our affliction, so that we may be able to comfort those who are in any affliction, with the comfort with which we ourselves are comforted by God. 2 Corinthians 1:4 (ESV) 3. SEIZE THE MOMENT TO BE KIND. “He went to him and bound up his wounds...” Luke 10:34a 27 Do not withhold good from those to whom it is due, when it is in your power to do it. 28 Do not say to your neighbor, “Go, and come again, tomorrow I will give it”—when you have it with you.” Proverbs 3:27–28 (ESV) 4. SPEND WHATEVER IT TAKES. 34 è “Won’t you be my neighbor?” Fred Rogers famous song was an invitation to all to come into his life and neighborhood. 2000 years earlier a man asked Jesus the question: “Who is my neighbor?” The BIG IDEA: Jesus raised the concept of neighborliness to a new level, calling us to look outside of our own circumstances and care enough to get involved in the needs of others. He equates how we treat people in need with how we treat Him! “Love is kind.” 1 Corinthians 13:4b (ESV) These three men represent your three choices in life. He went to him and bound up his wounds, pouring on oil and wine. Then he set him on his own animal and brought him to an inn and took care of him. 35 And the next day he took out two denarii and gave them to the innkeeper, saying, ‘Take care of him, and whatever more you spend, I will repay you when I come back.’ Luke 10:34-35 (ESV) 10 if you pour yourself out for the hungry and satisfy the desire of the afflicted, then shall your light rise in the darkness and your gloom be as the noonday. 11 And the Lord will guide you continually and satisfy your desire in scorched places and make your bones strong; and you shall be like a watered garden, like a spring of water, whose waters do not fail. Isaiah 58:10-11 (ESV) “Your own soul is nourished when you are kind.” Proverbs 11:17 (NLT)