In our walk with the Lord, we often encounter profound yet seemingly simple questions that cut to the heart of our faith. One such question, famously posed to Jesus, remains just as relevant for us today: “Who is my neighbor?”
We find this pivotal exchange during Jesus’ ministry north of Galilee in Luke’s Gospel, chapter 10, where a legal expert sought to test Jesus. He asked, “Teacher, what shall I do to inherit eternal life?” (v 25).
When pressed how he understood the Law, the lawyer responded by reciting the two greatest commandments, “You shall love the Lord your God with all your heart, and with all your soul, and with all your strength, and with all your mind; and your neighbor as yourself.” (v 27).
Jesus response was both encouraging and convicting, “You have answered correctly; do this and you will live.” The verbal response was right, but there was a catch – “do this.” The law wasn’t just to be believed but obeyed—a task that man had failed up to this point in history.
The lawyer, perhaps seeking to limit the scope of his self-admitted command, pressed further in Luke 10:29, asking, “And who is my neighbor?” The prevailing opinion among scribes and Pharisees was that one’s neighbors were the righteous alone. According to them, the wicked—including rank sinners, Greeks, and especially Samaritans—were to be hated because they were the enemies of God.
Jesus’ response is not an elaborate proposition but instead, a powerful and unforgettable story: the Parable of the Good Samaritan (Luke 10:30-37). You may know the details: a man is beaten, robbed, and left for dead on the roadside. A priest and a Levite, both religious leaders, pass by without offering aid. It is the Samaritan, a man from a group often despised and considered outsiders by the Jewish people, who stops, shows compassion, bandages the man’s wounds, provides transportation, and ensures his continued care.
After recounting this powerful story, Jesus poses a direct question back to the lawyer: “Which of these three, do you think, proved to be a neighbor to the man who fell among the robbers?” The lawyer, compelled by the undeniable actions of compassion, replied, “The one who showed him mercy.” Jesus then gives the definitive answer: “Go and do the same.” (Luke 10:36-37).
Neighborhood Clean-Up
We are thrilled about the upcoming opportunity for us to put our faith into action and tangibly bless the community surrounding The Bridge Bible Fellowship. As a part of the Reseda neighborhood, we have a wonderful chance to come together and make an impact for Christ during our Neighborhood Clean-Up Day on Sunday, March 30th, from 11:00 am – 1:00 pm!
Inspired by Christ’s response in Luke 10:37 and our desire to serve our community, The Bridge is organizing this event to strengthen our relationships with businesses, families, and individuals. We want to show compassion and care for our neighbors—and we want YOU to be a part of it!
This is more than just picking up trash; it’s an opportunity to:
- Meet our Neighbors: Engage with fellow community members.
- Clean and beautify the area: Help remove trash from our streets and public spaces.
- Serve the community: Join us in serving the community we love.
- Encourage one another! Deepen relationships with our brothers and sisters in the Lord.
- Proclaim Christ! “How can they believe if they have not heard?” (Romans 10:14)
Devote yourselves to prayer, keeping alert in it with an attitude of thanksgiving; praying at the same time for us as well, that God will open up to us a door for the word, so that we may speak forth the mystery of Christ, for which I have also been imprisoned; that I may make it clear in the way I ought to speak. Conduct yourselves with wisdom toward outsiders, making the most of the opportunity.
Colossians 4:2-4
How Can YOU Get Involved?
- Sign Up to help Serve: Come to the table this Sunday (March 23) to join a team.
- Mark Your Calendars and Join Us. Your presence and participation on Sunday, March 30th, from 11:00 am to 1:00 pm will make a significant impact. Bring your energy and a willing heart!
- Pray for the community. Implore God to allow the proclamation of His of salvation to be received with open hearts. Ask that the works of our hands will be used by to further the work of his Word among our neighbors. (Colossian 4:3).
This is a fantastic opportunity for individuals, families, and small groups within our congregation to make a tangible difference right outside our doors. Let’s come together, roll up our sleeves, and show our love for Reseda!
If you have any questions or would like more information, please don’t hesitate to contact us at 818.776.1500 or info@bridgebible.church.
We eagerly anticipate your support and active participation in making our neighborhood shine!