GoSample

  

          Many of us have heard the parable of the Good Samaritan a countless number of times. It's one of Jesus' most well-known parables, so much so that a “Good Samaritan” is a normal reference of a kind person. We have to be careful not to forget that when Jesus first told this parable, he was taking the expected outcome of this story and turning it on its head. When the injured Jewish man was looking for help, it didn't come in the form Jesus' audience would have expected. What reasons could the first two leaders mentioned in the parable have to pass by this injured man? Were they busy performing their religious duties? Were they scared for their safety? Did they assume the man was already dead? 

          Whatever the reason, the hero who arises would be someone that Jesus' Jewish audience would have felt intense dislike and distrust toward. Some translations even call him a "despised Samaritan." This man had nothing to gain from helping someone who was not only a stranger but also someone who likely would have called him names or ignored him if the situation were reversed. Yet with nothing to gain he stopped and showed compassion to the injured man and saved his life.

          Scripture is full of examples of men and women who helped other people in their time of trouble. We see examples such as Boaz providing food for the widows Ruth and Naomi, or David adopting the disabled grandson of his enemy Saul, Mephibosheth, into his household and caring for him his entire life. These men gained nothing from those they helped, but David's words in 2 Samuel 9:3 show that he desired to show, "Godly kindness" to his enemies. In order for us to “Go and do likewise” we need to actively seek the opportunity to show compassion on those who have no way to repay our kindness. 

Reflect

• What do you think were the reasons why the Levite and priest did not help the man who was hurt?
• What are the reasons we give for not showing love and support to others?
• What are the ways that you can help someone with no expectation of being repaid or acknowledged? Think of one person you can show kindness to without expecting anything in return and write their name down. Make it your goal to help them this week!