CONNECTING POINT: Do Gooder

One of the most well-known illustrations in the Bible includes the Good Samaritan as shared by Jesus. We often surmise that the principle is centered on how to help those in need, whereas the context principle Jesus is communicating is a bit different. Of course, giving to those in need is a Biblical value and something Jesus promoted. Stop and re-read Christ’s words again:

“On one occasion an expert in the law stood up to test Jesus. ‘Teacher,’ he asked, “what must I do to inherit eternal life?’ ‘What is written in the Law?’ he replied. ‘How do you read it?’ He answered, ‘Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your strength and with all your mind’; and, ‘Love your neighbor as yourself.’ ‘You have answered correctly,’ Jesus replied. Do this and you will live.’ But he wanted to justify himself, so he asked Jesus, ‘And who is my neighbor?’ In reply Jesus said: ‘A man was going down from Jerusalem to Jericho, when he was attacked by 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 traveled, 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 denarii 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 neighbor 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,’” (Luke 10:25-37).

Remember the context dictates the principle or lesson. We need understand why Jesus utilized this illustration. This was a direct response to the “expert” in Jewish Mosaic and Oral Law, and his question on what it takes to receive eternal life. Is Jesus conveying that one must do good to others to receive eternal life? No, not at all!

The principle Jesus contends for is that faith that secures eternal life will naturally express mercy and love to anyone nearby. The “expert” knew the Law of Moses well, but as with many Jewish legalists of the day, Jesus was saying that “experts” don’t practice loving others well. Head knowledge is impractical when it’s not lived out on the most basic level. This indictment by Jesus dealt with one of the most prominent issues of Jewish culture, their hatred for Samaritan people. Even the disciples wrestled with this ugly fact, so Jesus confronted them with love and truth.

Three thoughts to consider:

One: Love your enemy.

Two: Mercy is not superficial, true mercy is sacrificial.

Three: Even the least unlikely person can teach us something.

Notice that Jesus’s illustration utilizes the Samaritan as the desirable participant, while Jews were seen in a less-than-desirable light. This extreme hatred between these ethnic groups dates back hundreds of years and it is true that Samaritans compromised on worshiping the One True God, Jehovah, by embracing idolatry. If one’s enemy is more merciful than you or me, Jesus is stating there is a need for a heart check.