Jamey's Newsletter: Sunday, September 17, 2023
A lawyer asked Jesus how to obtain eternal life. It was a trick question. So, Jesus turned the table and asked the lawyer what the law said. The lawyer answered with the well-known joining of two laws: love God and love neighbor. And on that, Jesus and the lawyer agreed. Only Jesus added the caveat that the lawyer must do the law and not just know the law.
The lawyer then pushed the matter by asking Jesus to define neighbor, where Jesus told the story of what we named the Good Samaritan.
In Jesus’ day, there was no such thing as a “Good” Samaritan. Samaritans were the “unclean Samaritans,” the “unwelcome Samaritans,” or even the “hated Samaritans.”
Jesus tells the story like this: On his way from Jerusalem to Jericho, a Jewish man, was beaten, robbed, and left for dead. At intervals, a priest and a Levite, both religious leaders, passed by on the other side.
The story's listeners may have been disappointed but not shocked by the religious leaders' reaction. The shock comes in the next part of the story.
As the story continues, a Samaritan stopped to help and went to extravagant lengths in helping: Bound the wounds, provided transportation, provided lodging, and promised to return. All actions came at an extravagant cost.
Little wonder why he became known as the Good Samaritan.
When Jesus asks, “Which one acted like a neighbor?” The lawyer replied, “The one who showed him mercy.” “Go and do likewise,” Jesus insisted.
In the story, the Samaritan saw the half-beaten-to-death man lying in a ditch. He looked at him. He felt some pity. But it was what he did next that mattered. It was the next act that set him apart from the others. Jesus says, “He went to him.”
Loving neighbor means turning love into a verb. It means to do love. It means showing love by crossing the street and being present.
Jamey
Scripture: Luke 10: 25 - 37
Let's Talk About The Church and Our Neighbors
Galatians 5:14 1 John 3:17-18. James 2:8
(Together, What If is a conversation between Michelle Alexander, Ginnie Highsmith, and Jamey Prickett from Gainesville First UMC, Gainesville, Georgia.)
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Weekly Prayer
Gracious God,
Help us to be instruments of Your peace, To carry the light of Your love into the world, So that through our actions, kindness, and understanding, We may reflect the love You have for each of us. In Jesus' name, we pray, Amen.
Meme of the Week
Dad Jokes
What did one autumn leaf say to another? I'm falling for you!
What's a pumpkin's favorite sport? Squash!
Wisdom Nugget: Happiness isn't about possessing the finest of all things but about the capacity to find the best in everything.
A Question to Consider: Will you dwell on the echoes of the past or seize the present and make the most of the opportunities before you now?
Photo Taken By Me
Articles worth reading, videos worth watching, and/or podcasts worth listening to
Jimmy Buffett almost wasted away in ‘Austin, Texasville’
Coco Gauff says her parents are the reason she plays tennis. Everything to know about the Gauffs
If you read, listen, or watch something that you find interesting, I would love to know about it. Send me an email at jamey.prickett@ngumc.net.
MAKE A DIFFERENCE
Happening at Gainesville First United Methodist Church
Wednesday, September 27 / 12:30-2:30 pm / Great Room
The Hall County Health Department and GFUMC Preschool will be hosting a Flu Shot Clinic on Wednesday, September 27, from 12:30-2:30 p.m.
Info You Need:
Free for all kids
$30 for adults if not covered by insurance.
Payment by card or cash
For adults, please bring your ID and insurance card.
Anyone over 65 years old will have the option for the high-dose flu shot for $60.
Weekly Blessing and/or Quotes
"Wrinkles will only go where the smiles have been." - Jimmy Buffet
I would love to have your feedback. Do you have a meme, dad joke, question to ponder, or wisdom nugget worth sharing? Have you come across an interesting article, podcast, or video that you found meaningful? Is there a quote or blessing that you are currently holding onto? If so, please share it. Let’s make this a community space where we connect with one another.
If you find encouragement in this newsletter, I would love for you to take the opportunity to share it with others. Thank you for reading.