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But a Samaritan, as he traveled, came 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. (Luke 10:33-34).
Neglect is one of those things we seem to not realize that goes on in a church. And people seem to be dropped through the cracks by churches because it may not fit some preconceived plan or ideology about who should attend church. Every community has forgotten people outside their doors. They are the disabled, the ill, those who are dealing with emotional and mental issues. These are the forgotten people that many in the church haven’t reached with Jesus.
For example about 90 percent of the blind community is unchurched. Meaning they have no experience of being taught about Jesus and His sacrifice for the forgiveness of our sins. There are similar numbers found within the deaf community, the physically handicapped, and those suffering from mental illness. Even children get lost and ignored because parents stay at home because they’ve been made unwelcome at church.
The reason this neglect goes on by the church is that they’re seen as an unwelcome burden. Excuses are made that facilities cannot accommodate them, they’re strange, they don’t fit into our pre-existing ideas of the “right” people we need for our congregation, it’s too bothersome to pick up a neighbor who’s unable to drive, or it’s a careless tongue telling a parent that your child isn’t welcome.
We all know the story of the Good Samaritan who did what no others were willing to do. We are like that man who was robbed and beaten. Each one of us is broken in some way or another, it may not be apparent to everyone but to Christ he knows our inward brokenness. In this parable Christ literally is the Good Samaritan who comes to us and binds up our wounds with His sacrificial forgiveness. And then takes us to His inn to take care of us. But it’s not just us that He’s done this for. He takes everyone to the place where he continues to heal weekly. Jesus hasn’t put on any precondition for anyone to meet. He just takes them. He just cares for them.
What does this mean, then? What does it mean when people we don’t fully understand come among us? It means that Christ has given us a gift to care for those He loves. Yes, it does seem to be a burden. Yes, it’s difficult at times. Yes, it challenges us to live beyond ourselves. But it’s nothing compared to the sacrifice our Lord made for each of us and them.
Not just us, but everyone has but a fraction of time in this world. We’re like grass here one day then withered and gone the next. We only have a fraction of time to fulfill the purpose we’ve been given, to care for people to know who Jesus is, our Lord and Savior.
Pastor Jerry
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