The Good Samaritan

The Good Samaritan is one of my favorite parables in the Bible. Whenever I read it, or hear it taught, I can’t help but think of each man in the parable. And because I think of each man, I’ve come to find myself being each man at different times. Let me explain.

See, it’s taught that we are supposed to be the good Samaritan in the story, willing to help those in need; to be that good neighbor. But I’m not going to touch on that much. I’ve caught myself being the priest at times.

Do you know why the priest, upon seeing the beaten man, continued on without stopping? It’s because the priest probably thought the man was dead. And touching a dead man is  ceremonially unclean. Remember Levi 21:1-3, “The Lord said to Moses, “Speak to the priests, the sons of Aaron, and say to them: ‘A priest must not make himself ceremonially unclean for any of his people who die, except for a close relative, such as his mother or father, his son or daughter, his brother, or an unmarried sister who is dependent on him since she has no husband—for her he may make himself unclean.”

Teachers of the law, people really strict on the legality of things. The priest either thought the man was dead, or so close to death there was no saving him. Why try if it makes me break the rule and become unclean? The priest judged that the man was dead.

So, let me ask you? Have you ever passed on helping another because it went against what you believe? Because you judged them unworthy of your help? Maybe they drink, have tattoos, listen to secular music, watch Harry Potter, ECT, (I’m only naming a few big controversial issues in the church. You catch my drift though, right?).  Have you passed up the chance to help another because they weren’t “right” or “clean” like you supposedly think you are?

What about the levite in the parable? Levites were seen as a lesser class than the priests. All priests had to be Levites, but not all Levites had to be priests. They are second tier temple personnel. The Levites took responsibilities of non-primary tasks like singing, guarding the temple, and other subsidiary work. The legalism of becoming unclean did not apply to them.

The road from Jerusalem to Jericho was extremely dangerous. Robberies and murder was common. There were always ambushes for people travelling the road. The man who was robbed, beaten and abandoned was a clear indication to other travellers that robbers were around.

I think this levite did not stop to help because he was afraid of what could happen to him. Was the robbers still around? What if this beaten man was faking it and planning an ambush himself? What will happen to me if I help this person? Better to continue on.

So, have you ever been this levite? Have you ever been afraid to help another because you were worried about yourself? Maybe you saw a homeless person and thought “they’re filthy, I could catch something,” or “they’ll just end up robbing me or hurting me if I try to help them.” I have legit heard these excuses from people before…

Instead of asking, “what would happen to me if I stop to help this person,” maybe try asking, ” what would happen to this person if I don’t help.” Because, here’s a thought… What if you were the beaten man in the parable?

This is one of my favorite takes of the parable. Life’s beaten you down. Metaphorically, you’re drowning in the rough waters of life. Things have really been going wrong and bad for you. You look to people, and maybe even things, for help. But none is provided. You don’t even care if you die tomorrow.

But someone comes along. Do you know who was rejected just like the Samaritans were in the biblical age? Jesus. Jesus Christ is your Good Samaritan. He saw you beaten, bruised, down, struggling, drowning, and even awaiting death. And what does he do? He comes along side you, puts you on his donkey, and takes care of you. Helps you. Gives you life. You’re saved because of him.

This. This is why we need to strive to be that good Samaritan. Legality does not matter. Who cares about minor secondary issues and differences? Why judge when you have done wrongs in your own life plenty of times. Haven’t you been “beaten and robbed” before? You know what it’s like. You know what it was like have Jesus come into your life too. Because he did that for you, you should want to be able to do that for others.

What will happen to that person if you do not take action?

Luke 10:30-37 
Jesus replied, “A man was going down from Jerusalem to Jericho, and he fell among robbers, who stripped him and beat him and departed, leaving him half dead. Now by chance a priest was going down that road, and when he saw him he passed by on the other side. So likewise a Levite, when he came to the place and saw him, passed by on the other side. But a Samaritan, as he journeyed, came to where he was, and when he saw him, he had compassion. He went to him and bound up his wounds, pouring on oil and wine. Then he set him on his own animal and brought him to an inn and took care of him. And the next day he took out two denarii and gave them to the innkeeper, saying, ‘Take care of him, and whatever more you spend, I will repay you when I come back.’ Which of these three, do you think, proved to be a neighbor to the man who fell among the robbers?” He said, “The one who showed him mercy.” And Jesus said to him, “You go, and do likewise.”