PARABLES OF JESUS: GOOD SAMARITAN

“But a certain Samaritan, as he journeyed, came where he was. And when he saw him, he had compassion.” ~ Luke 10:33

REFERENCE:

Luke 10:30-37

Our love often discriminates based on race, tribe, gender, or color. Jesus used this parable to challenge our prejudices and to stir us to reach across dividing walls to show God’s love to those desperately in need of it. This ‘certain man’ fell into hard times – he was attacked, robbed, stripped, wounded, and on the verge of dying. Hence, anybody can find himself in a place of desperately needing love from another person. Life happens, and all men seem to have their fair share of trouble. Lack, loss, hunger, sickness, unemployment, betrayal, etc., do not know race, color, class, gender, or tribe. The world needs love.

In His days, Jews had no dealings with Samaritans (John 4:9), but when Jesus taught His Jewish audience about loving one’s neighbor, He used a Samaritan as the epitome of true love, not the Jewish Priest or Levite. It must have been offensive to His audience, but the love that discriminates is not the love of God (agape). E.g., “I love you, but you are from this tribe.”, “You qualify for the job, but you are a woman.” etc. By highlighting the action of this good Samaritan, Jesus forever broke down the walls of segregation, racism, tribalism, gender, and color, where the love of God is concerned.

Observe this parable:

1. Like a bicycle, the wheel of life turns. You may be up today but be down tomorrow. This traveler must have been a wealthy man, but he was found helpless and in need.
2. If you can do something about a situation, do not walk past it like the Priest and the Levite.
3. The matter of responding in love to a needy world is urgent. It is of utmost importance.
4. Help can come from an unlikely source; be good to people. You may need them later.
5. The Samaritan ‘came to’ where the man was. ‘Go to’ where the needy are. Look out for them and identify with them in their need. Remember that while you eat, some hunger.

Love is not a matter of theoretical discussion but of practical demonstration. This Samaritan saw what the clergy saw, but he did more than see, pray, or counsel. He was not only moved emotionally; he was moved into action. While the others asked themselves, “What will happen to me if I stop?” he asked, “What will happen to this man if I go?”

Go into your day with Jesus’ charge to His audience, “Go and do likewise!”

PHOTO QUOTE

ADDITIONAL TEXTS: 

Proverbs 20:6, Proverbs 3:27-28 & I John 3:17

Confession:

Lord, I have not loved like You; my love has been discriminatory. Forgive me and help me to love like You – without regard to tribe, race, creed, or color. As Your disciple, I will demonstrate Your love to my world, starting from my immediate community. I will ‘Go, and do likewise.’ in Jesus’ name, Amen.