Thursday, July 29, 2004
He said, “The one who showed him mercy.” Jesus said to him, “Go and do likewise.”
(Luke 10.37
NRSV)
“And who is my neighbor?" someone once asked Jesus. Jesus replied by telling this story: "A man was going down from Jerusalem to Jericho, when he fell into the hands of 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 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, took him to an inn and took care of him. The next day he took out two silver coins 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.’" Now Jesus reciprocated with a question, "Which of these three do you think was a neighbor to the man who fell into the hands of robbers?" The answer was so obvious the inquirer responded immediately, "The one who had mercy on him." Then Jesus challenged everyone with these words, "Go and do likewise."
Nowhere in the Parable of the Good Samaritan is the word "good" used. Have you ever noticed that? Through the years, however, the word "good" has become synonymous with this man who dared to be a neighbor to a stranger. For all eternity he will be known as the Good Samaritan.
Will you be a good Samaritan?
Dear God, help me to push past my fears, so that I can be a good Samaritan. Amen.
Ron
Newhouse
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