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After taking a few weeks break, we are continuing our study of Luke chapter 10 and in particular, we’re looking at verses 25-37. This is commonly referred to as the story of ‘The Good Samaritan’. I’m sure you’re more than familiar with this passage, but please read these verses every day this week and, if possible use a different translation each day, asking God to open your eyes to fresh revelation from His Word.
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Luke 10:30-37
‘In reply Jesus said: “A man was going down from Jerusalem to Jericho, when he fell into the hands of robbers. They stripped him of his clothes, beat him and went away, leaving him half-dead. A priest happened to be going down the same road, and when he saw the man, he passed by on the other side. So too, a Levite, when he came to the place and saw him, passed by on the other side. But a Samaritan, as he travelled, came where the man was; and when he saw him, he took pity on him. He went to him and bandaged his wounds, pouring on oil and wine. Then he put the man on his own donkey, brought him to an inn and took care of him. The next day he took out two silver coins and gave them to the innkeeper. ‘Look after him,’ he said, ‘and when I return, I will reimburse you for any extra expense you may have.’ “Which of these three do you think was a neighbour to the man who fell into the hands of robbers?” The expert in the law replied, “The one who had mercy on him.” Jesus told him, “Go and do likewise.”’
This passage could be considered as one of the most well-known in the whole of scripture. The parable of the Good Samaritan has been told and re-told through countless generations all over the world.
The story is told with absolute simplicity and its meaning is both profound and intensely challenging to all who hear it.
Jesus uses a carefully selected group of people in order to provide the greatest impact:
There is an ordinary man who is hard-done by, robbed and beaten by evil men. Then He introduces a priest. He could be regarded as the professional clergy, the established religion. These people have the scriptural instruction to ‘show mercy’ and yet their hypocrisy is clear to all.
Next, Jesus introduces the ‘lay-clergy’. The Levite (a priest’s helper) behaves in exactly the same way as the priest and gives the poor man a wide berth.
Lastly, we see a Samaritan – the sworn enemy of the Israelites and Jesus uses this man to show what actions are acceptable in God’s eyes. He tended to the man, paid for his care and ensured that he would return to pay any difference. What a difference to the other two!
It could be that Jesus is actually telling the ‘expert in the law’ that he was in fact asking the wrong question. Instead of asking ‘Who is my neighbour?’, perhaps the question should be ‘Am I being a neighbour to those in need?’
Last week, we saw the horrendous act of the bombing in Manchester. Adults and children being killed and injured through a deliberate act of evil. It was truly horrific to see and read the details of what happened in Manchester Arena. Much was made of the wonderful way in which every area of society pulled together and helped those in need. It truly was an example of the kind of attitude Jesus is describing in this parable. People from all religions and all backgrounds put themselves out to assist in whatever way they could.
The last phrase that Jesus uses is translated in one version as ‘Go and keep on doing likewise’. In other words, it really isn’t enough to do one act of kindness. This selfless giving should be the ‘norm’. My prayer is that this attitude prevails in Manchester and serves to be an example for people the length and breadth of this nation.
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