Summary: This familiar story was told by Jesus in response to classism and racism that was rampant and unchecked. He told a story filled with drama, intrigue, violence and fear. The apathy in leading characters was appalling and offensive. The compassion surprised and shocked. The power of the story is found in the unlikely hero. The challenge before us all is to ask, ‘Who is my neighbor?’ After answering that question, we then need to further ask, ‘What is my responsibility to my neighbors?’ Jesus had a way of making his audiences uncomfortable.
