Scripture— Luke 10:25-37

“Which now of these three, thinkest thou, was neighbour unto him that fell among the thieves?” Luke 10:36

It was Makurdi, Nigeria. The news was indeed terrible. During the night violence had ­erupted downtown. Shops were ­looted, homes were destroyed, and a hundred people of the Igbo tribe were slaughtered.

Included in the group on our steps was a young Igbo man. It was his tribe, his people, that were being killed. He was in danger. We needed to do something to protect him. But what?

A young steward became the neighbor that Jesus calls us to be. Compassion and concern overruled his fear as he offered a suggestion: ‘I know a path through the field that leads to the rail station. I think I can get him there ­safely.’

We could think of no better option. Our Igbo friend quickly gathered his goods and prepared himself to go. We gathered again on our steps for a prayerful goodbye. And then off they went—the two of them together.

We hurt deeply for our young Igbo friend. But a young steward showed us what it means to be a neighbor—crossing tribal lines and status boundaries. Jesus says, “Go and do likewise.”

Prayer: Lord, thank you for the “good Samaritans” in our lives. Move us to be true neighbors. Amen.