Journey to Jerusalem: Migration into New Life

There’s a man, bruised and broken, lying in the dirt, his body aching. He’s helpless, with no one around to offer him any comfort. He’s alone. And then, from the distance, he hears footsteps. Two men walk by. Religious men. Men who should know the value of mercy, men who should see this suffering and stop. But they don’t. They walk right past him.

But then, from behind, comes another sound. It’s the clop of hooves, the rustle of clothing, the steps of someone who shouldn’t even be there. A Samaritan. A person society tells him he shouldn’t trust, someone the world ignores.

But this time, the Samaritan stops. He bends down. He sees the man, and without hesitation, he takes action. He doesn’t just throw a coin at him. He doesn’t offer a few kind words and walk away. No. He sacrifices his time, his resources, his comfort—and his safety—to make sure this man lives. To make sure that someone is loved when others have overlooked them.

This Sunday, we step into this powerful story of the Good Samaritan, and the story asks us, how far are we willing to go to love someone? Because this isn’t about nice gestures. This is about courageous love. The kind of love that crosses the lines and challenges us to love the stranger, - no matter how inconvenient.

This Lenten season, we’re exploring our theme, “Journey Through Jerusalem: Migration Into New Life.” It’s a season for us to reflect on the journeys we’re all on—spiritual, emotional, physical. It’s about migration. About moving from where we are into something new. Something better. And in that migration, we’re called to make room for others. To open our hearts and to those who are walking their own roads to new life.

We’re not alone on this journey. We’re building a community that’s more than just a place to gather. We’re building a place where God’s mercy is a practice. Where love isn’t just an idea—it’s a living, breathing force that guides every step we take. Together, we’ll continue to choose love. We’ll choose to care. And we’ll show up for each other.

I can’t wait to see you on Sunday, as we dive deeper into this season of transformation. Let’s grow together, living out love and grace in real ways.