‘But A Certain Samaritan’

But a certain Samaritan, as he journeyed, came where he was. And when he saw him, he had compassion.

Luke 10:33

Earlier this year we took the opportunity to briefly view this parable. Over the next several days we hope to consider it a bit more deeply. Christ used this parable to answer the question of the self-righteous lawyer who asked, ‘Who is my neighbor?’ This question followed Christ’s statement that in order to obtain eternal life, one must, ‘love the Lord your God with all your heart, with all your soul, with all your strength, and with all your mind, and your neighbor as yourself.’ It is always good for us to seek Christ in the Scriptures. Even in His parables and illustrations, Christ reveals Himself.  Where do we find Christ in the parable of the Good Samaritan?  I would submit to you, that Christ here robes Himself in the cloak of the Samaritan. Remember He is discussing the perfect obedience to the Law of God. Who, in the story, fulfills the Law in spirit, word, and deed? It is the Samaritan. Who fulfilled the Law of God in spirit, word and deed? Christ did. The religious hypocrites despised the Samaritans as being half-breed, lower class people. So those hypocrites also despised Christ as being, ‘born of fornication.’ In the account, the Samaritan demonstrated true love, compassion, and gave practical aid to the robbed and beaten man. So Christ demonstrated love, compassion, and practical kindness throughout His ministry to those who were helpless and suffering. The Samaritan did not take the minimalist approach to helping the man, but rather brought him through to the place of complete healing and restoration. So Christ did, and does for all to whom He ministers. As we consider this for the next few days, let us see Christ, as He reveals himself as the Samaritan.

Our most Kind and Compassionate Savior,
we praise You today, that You reveal Yourself to us in new ways.
All through the Scriptures, on page after page,
we have the privilege of beholding You, our Ever-compassionate Savior.

Tomm Tice
Where The Bush is Burning