Who is My Brother?

Luke 10: 29 But he, wanting to justify himself said to Jesus, “And who is my neighbour?”

“Who is my brother?” the lawyer asked Jesus last week. Jesus told this story.

Late one night, Brother Matthews was travelling from Kingston to Spanish Town. Going through Portmore, on the Dike Road he ran into gunmen, who beat him badly, robbed him of his money, laptop, and his Toyota Corolla, then shot him and left him for dead in the road. In time, Pastor came driving through. He slowed down, seeing the body lying in the street. In the light of his high beams he could see that he was still alive, but should he stop? What had happened here? If he stopped he was in danger. Someone might attack him. That was it. It was a trick to get him to stop. He drove away fast.

Then along came Elder. His X5 almost ran over the man. He stopped, backed up and took a good look. This man was almost dead. Probably some criminal hurt by his cronies. He really should try to help, but so much blood. His car – the upholstery… no! Somebody else would come along. At least he could notify the police. He took out his android. Uh-oh! I forgot to re-charge. Where was that car charger? “Oh, well” he muttered as he drove away, “life rough!”

Then the Rastaman came along. The words he said were not pretty as he screeched to a stop. Tossing his spliff aside, he ran over to the man. He realized that this man would die if he didn’t get quick medical attention. The man was heavy, but with great effort he got him on to the back seat of his Prado. With four-way flashers going and his foot to the floor he raced for Spanish Town hospital. There he ensured that the man got immediate attention. Leaving some money the Rastaman said, “Me no know him, but look after him and if Him need anything more, call I”.

Pastor and Elder came with the brethren came to visit Brother Matthews that Sabbath. Sister Matthews looked admiringly at the two men and whispered to her son, “They really love your Daddy”. Nobody noticed the Rastaman who peeped in then went on down the passage. Jesus asked, “Who was the real brother of Brother Matthews?” The lawyer said, “He who showed mercy to him”. Love is an action word.

Dear Lord, help me to love like Jesus does, where I will even risk my life to save my brother, in Jesus name, amen.