Students gather at the Biblical & Theological Studies Building on the campus of Cedarville University
Jesus is presented with a question in Luke chapter 10, in order to test Him. “Who is my neighbor?” The lawyer was actually looking for a way out. What is the loop hole? After all, everyone can’t be my neighbor! There must be a limit to who I must treat as my neighbor and who can truly make that claim. Jesus took the bait. The answer was a story about unlikely connections. Isn’t that just like Jesus? Answer a question with a story and a story that pushes the limits of what might seem to be reasonable. Jesus ends the story with a question:
36 So which of these three do you think was neighbor to him who fell among the thieves?”
37 And he said, “He who showed mercy on him.” Then Jesus said to him, “Go and do likewise.”
It’s great watching students make friendships. They aren’t like old people! (Speaking for myself as an old person). They can meet in a few moments, decide that they can be friends, connect electronically and then share time together! One great thing that the body of Christ gets with today’s young adult is an opportunity to become a relational society again. Even though we are challenged with electronic overload, somehow, face to face connections, like the ones in this picture seem to continue! We can struggle to like a stranger, but when that stranger gets close, face to face, we are allowed to consider if they actually might be a friend! If they are a friend, we are allowed, via our hearts, to show mercy to them. How awesome is that? The very thing that Jesus told the lawyer to do, we can do, as we make friends with others! It’s great that we will spend eternity with other believers, it’s even better we can be friends with them today! Who is your neighbor? Do you know them? Do you like them? Can you show them mercy? Try meeting them today, and see what transpires!
Posted in: community, global competency, leadership, multicultural, On campus events