"But I tell you: Love your enemies and pray for those who persecute you, so that you may be sons of your Father in heaven. He causes his sun to rise on the evil and the good..."
(MATTHEW5:44-45)
When Michael Brown was shot and killed by police officer Darren Wilson in Ferguson, Missouri, protests began immediately. For the rest of 2014, Americans were asking deep questions about our race relations.
How did you answer the question? Did Brown get what he deserved? Is Wilson further proof of a racist system?
Jesus was no stranger to strained race relations. His parable of the Good Samaritan in Luke 10 deals with this subject. The hero of the parable was from a group that the Jews hated. When Jesus finished telling His story, He asked, “Which… was a neighbor to the man who fell into the hands of robbers” (v. 36)? Of course, it was the Samaritan who showed mercy on the beaten Jew. Then Jesus said, “Go and do likewise” (v. 37).
Our only hope for unity, justice, and peace is found in Jesus Christ. We too have been instructed to “go and do likewise,” because that self-giving, radical compassion is exactly what He has shown us. Through the power of His Spirit, we can love God, our neighbors, and even our enemies.
How did you answer the question? Did Brown get what he deserved? Is Wilson further proof of a racist system?
Jesus was no stranger to strained race relations. His parable of the Good Samaritan in Luke 10 deals with this subject. The hero of the parable was from a group that the Jews hated. When Jesus finished telling His story, He asked, “Which… was a neighbor to the man who fell into the hands of robbers” (v. 36)? Of course, it was the Samaritan who showed mercy on the beaten Jew. Then Jesus said, “Go and do likewise” (v. 37).
Our only hope for unity, justice, and peace is found in Jesus Christ. We too have been instructed to “go and do likewise,” because that self-giving, radical compassion is exactly what He has shown us. Through the power of His Spirit, we can love God, our neighbors, and even our enemies.
Scripture Focus
Mark 12:28-34
Insight
People from every tribe and tongue will one day worship Jesus. For every ethnic background, the ground is level at the foot of the cross.
Bible In A Year
- Genesis 31-32
- Psalm 16
- Matthew 24
