The Good Samaritan

   The parable of the Good Samaritan (Luke 10: 25-37) tells the story of a man who was attacked, robbed, beaten and left for dead on the side of the road.  Both a priest and a Levite, leaders of the Jewish religion, saw the man but walked past him rather than help.  They were concerned with their own well-being rather than caring for others.

   A Samaritan, one who would ordinarily have nothing to do with a Jew, was the only one who stopped to help.  He treated the man’s wounds and took him to an inn to be cared for.  He paid the innkeeper and told him that he would repay any additional costs on his way back from his trip.

   This parable holds great meaning for our lives today.  Humanity as a whole is represented by the man who was robbed, beaten and left for dead.  Our sins rob us of our intended place in God’s family.  Satan beats us with his temptations to continue sinning in an effort to push us even further from God.  We are left on the side of the road on the verge of spiritual death.

   Religious leaders who fail to properly care for their flock can be seen in the priest and Levite who denied help.  Those who would consider themselves too important or too holy to be seen attending to the needs of sinners, especially those who are unable to pay and may impose upon them.  They will reap the same as they sow.

   Jesus, represented by the Samaritan in this parable, came to care for all of us.  He brought mercy, forgiveness and love to everyone.  When we were dying from sin He returned us to life through His forgiveness.  He paid the price of tending to our wounded soul through the rejection, hatred and abandonment He suffered.  Upon the cross He paid the price for our sins with His blood.  He takes us to the innkeeper and pays for our care.  He promises to continue paying for our salvation through His undying love and mercy for us.

   We are to be the good Samaritans and emulate the example Christ gives us.  We are to recognize Him in our brothers and sisters and treat them the love and care that Jesus has shown us.