Supremacy Of Jesus' Teachings

15.38.Let's see if we can find some common ground based on our shared Christian values. It will allow us to understand how and why we have a difference of opinion.

16.39.As Christians we acknowledge Jesus as Lord-would you agree?

40. Recall Jesus' command: "If you love me, you will keep my commandments." (John 14:15, RSV.)

19.41.Because Jesus is our Lord, we believe his life and teachings must be our supreme moral guide-would you agree?

42. Because Jesus is our Lord, when confronting a complex moral issue, we should ask ourselves: What would Jesus do based on his teachings? Would you agree?

Parable Of The Good Samaritan

43. Are you familiar with Jesus' parable about the Good Samaritan?

44. Recall that in the parable, a Priest, Levite, and Samaritan pass by an injured man on the road. Only the Samaritan has the compassion to help the injured man. (Luke 10:29-37.)

45. Jesus holds up the example of the Good Samaritan and commands, "Go and do likewise." (Luke 10:37, RSV.)

46. There is no equivocation in Jesus' directive to us, his disciples.

47. Do you agree that Jesus expects us to show compassion to others-just like the Good Samaritan?

48. If we left 12 million undocumented immigrants in their legal "limbo" status outside the law-would this not be like the Priest and Levite who without compassion left the injured man in medical "limbo" on the road?

49. Given that it is impractical to deport 12 million people, does Jesus' moral teaching of compassion in the Good Samaritan explain why a conservative Christian like Senator Brownbeck is motivated to seek a compassionate solution that recognizes the human dignity of 12 million undocumented immigrants?