December 9th THE PARABLES
December 9th THE PARABLES
The Neighbourly Samaritan (Luke 10:30-37)
The Neighbourly Samaritan (Luke 10:30-37)
Beloved children, our love can’t be an abstract theory we only talk about, but a way of life demonstrated through our loving deeds. We know that the truth lives within us because we show love in action, which will reassure our hearts in his presence.
1 John 3:18-19, The Passion Translation
Context: The parable was given in reply to two questions, “Teacher, what shall I do to inherit eternal life?” and “Who really is my neighbor?” The 14-mile road from Jerusalem to Jericho was the scene of frequent robberies. Jesus spoke of the reactions of a priest and of a Levite toward a man who had been robbed and left half-dead. The Jews viewed the Samaritans with great contempt, having no dealings with them, shunning them (John 4:9). Oil and wine were often used for healing purposes.
Meaning: This is not a lesson in morality to inspire guilt – trying to redouble our efforts to help others in order to secure our eternal life! Yes, let Jesus’ compassion flow through us to others, but never to earn merit. In reality, Jesus is the despised compassionate Samaritan (Matt 9:36; John 8:48) who came down our road and found us in a “dead” state, beaten up and left helpless by sin, religion and leaders. Jesus gently used oil (Holy Spirit) and wine (his blood) to bring healing and returned on the third day. Jesus graciously carried us, restored us and we entered into his rest. We will never become a real neighbour for others until we see ourselves as having been truly neighboured by Christ.
Application: Not everyone is our brother in the faith, but everyone is our neighbor we must love. No preaching is mentioned here but practical hospitality calling for compassion, contact, care, and cost. Others will see the Saviour through His compassion flowing through us, especially if a shunned person shows extravagant love to one who has mistreated him.
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Let our compassionate Saviour come to the lost through our words and actions.
Let our compassionate Saviour come to the lost through our words and actions.
