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HOW
TO BE A GOOD SAMARITAN The
person, who says that the Bible is not relevant, has never read this
story. It is as if someone tore out a section of the newspaper and pasted
it into our Bibles. It speaks to the issues of violence, crime, racial
discrimination, hatred, neglect and indifference. Jesus told the story in
response to a conversation with a lawyer (vv. 25-29). Jesus wants us to
realize that we cannot separate our relationship to God from our
relationship to our fellowman. The parable revolves around "a certain
man" (v.30). Jesus wants us to think seriously about how we treat
others. For example we are told...1.
How He was Treated by the Thieves (vs.30) The thieves saw this man as
someone they could take advantage of. All they cared about was getting
what they wanted. Their philosophy was..."What's yours is mine and
I'll take it. By the way, we can develop the same attitude about those
around us. They very moment we start using people instead of loving them,
we are taking advantage of them. Jesus never took advantage of people. He
never looks at any of us and says: "What can I get out of Him?"
He always considers the worker more important than the work! In
verses 31 and 32, the story takes a hopeful turn. Some religious workers
come by the place where the man is left half dead. So Jesus tells us...2. How He was treated by the Religious Workers I said the story
takes a hopeful turn, because I think we all would expect these religious
workers to do something for the man who has been robbed and left for dead.
Sadly, in both cases, the priest and the Levite passed by without
assisting the man. Apparently, they saw the man as a problem to be
avoided. I could not help but wonder how they excused themselves from at
least trying to help this man. Perhaps they thought...1) I've done enough
good deeds. I've been working
at the temple. 2) It's not my problem or my fault, why get involved. 3)
Someone else will help Him. Can't
you just see the priest thinking, the Levite is close behind, he'll do
something. Then the Levite gets there and says, the priest didn't do
anything, why should I. It is easy to have their attitude. And when we do,
we miss the opportunity to share Christ's love with those around us who
need it. Then note that Jesus tells us that a Samaritan came along.
Here is where I want us to focus our attention. Jesus then tells us
how...3. He was treated by the
Samaritan No doubt when Jesus said, "But a certain
Samaritan..." he got everyone’s attention. The Jews and the
Samaritans were enemies. As a matter of fact, a good Pharisee would thank
God each day in his prayers that he had not been born a woman, a Gentile,
or a Samaritan. The pure Jews refused then to have anything to do with
those who were part Gentile...or Samaritan. The last person one would
expect to help a Jew would be a Samaritan. He didn't allow racial or
religious barriers keep him from helping someone in need. He is the
example of how Jesus would want us to respond. Note four actions that the
Samaritan took. First we see that.... I. HE HAD COMPASSION
(V. 33) The
Samaritan did more than just feel bad about this victimized man. He was
deeply moved by his circumstances. He
was stirred to the point of action. That is what real compassion is. The
New Testament uses the term "compassion" to describe the
Savior's feelings toward us as lost sinners.
He had compassion. The
Savior was moved to action on our behalf. When we exercise true
compassion, we stop thinking about ourselves and focus on serving others.
Secondly... II. HE MADE CONTACT
(V. 34) There
are many excuses the Samaritan might have made. He might have feared for
his own safety, or he might have felt as though the man was too far gone
to help anyway. He did not avoid getting involved. We too need to see our
responsibility to be in contact with those around us who have needs,
especially the need of Jesus. III. HE DEMONSTRATED CARE
(V 34) The
Samaritan took action. He cleansed the victim's wounds and applied wine
and oil. He then took the man to an inn. I have found that it is easier to
talk about the needs of others and be concerned about the needs of others
than it is to do something about the needs of others. We need to have
compassion, we need to make contact, we need to demonstrate care, and
finally note..... IV. HE BORE THE COST
(V. 35) He took
the wounded man to the inn and paid for his care. What an example to
follow. Conclusion:
Of
course I believe the Samaritan is a picture of Jesus Himself. Jesus finds
us robbed and wounded by sin. And what does he do?
He has compassion, He makes contact, He shows His Care and of
course He pays the Cost so that we can be saved. We need to be more like
our Savior. Let us never get
like the priest and the Levite who just passed by. |