A lawyer asks Jesus, “Who is my neighbor?” Jesus responds with the most famous parable of all, the parable of the Good Samaritan, from Luke 10:25-37. But the Rev. Dr. Amy Butler, for five years the Senior Minister of the Riverside Church in New York City, reminds us not to mistake familiarity with understanding. After Jesus’ parable, the lawyer has to admit that the Samaritan was the neighbor. But that wasn’t the question he asked. The lawyer had asked, “Who is my neighbor?” But Jesus wanted to know who acted like a neighbor.  Where does true power come from? It’s not about religion, rules or hierarchies: it’s about getting off your donkey and serving your neighbor.

This sermon is from A Sermon for Every Sunday, a series of lectionary-based video sermons designed for use in worship, Bible study, small groups, Sunday school classes or for individual use.

For more sermon preparation help, check out Pulpit Resource, Will Willimon's weekly lectionary-based sermon resource, available online and through a print subscription.