This can happen with Scripture as well. The well known familiar portions of Scripture don’t have the punch they once had. We have heard them many times before. We slip into them as we do our well-worn clothes. We know this; relax.
This can be dangerous! We dare not allow Scripture to become the well-worn clothing. We must be sure we always allow it to be the “living active two-edged sword” in our lives. Oh yes, there are the comforting passages, but even these can be become too familiar loosing their potency in our lives. One way to avoid this danger is to come to the familiar with different eyes or from a different perspective.
One such well known passage is the “Good Samaritan” parable in Luke 10:25-37. It is so familiar that some recite or refer to it without realizing it is Scripture. When we come upon it in our Bible reading we skim through it. Let’s pause for a few moments to ponder this incredible parable anew and examine ourselves by the picture Jesus verbally paints.
A man is asking Jesus about eternal life. He knows the answer but his application is greatly lacking. Being cornered by Jesus’ replies the man asks, “And who is my neighbor?” (Luke 10:29). The parable is Jesus’ answer the man’s question. This parable defines “neighbor.” After telling the parable Jesus asks the man who is the neighbor in the story. So dumbfounded by the story and filled with prejudice he cannot even bring himself to identify the man as Jesus did. Rather than saying “the Samarian” he responds; “the one who had mercy on him.” To which Jesus instructs, “Go and do likewise.”
We cannot escape this directive. Jesus is speaking to us. We are to be like the Samaritan. We are to go and do likewise. We cannot slip away from this picture of the Christian. The Samaritan reveals how a disciple of Jesus Christ looks and acts.
Christ’s disciples care. Christ’s love is poured into our lives and compels us to act (see 2 Corinthians 5:14f). Such love cannot ignore needy people - neighbors. Such love cannot walk by the hurting broken people - neighbors. We see people differently, no longer from a worldly point of view, but through the eyes of Christ. As Jesus, we are moved by compassion looking at the crowds recognizing that they are “helpless, harassed, like sheep without a shepherd (Matthew 9:36). Christians care!
Christ’s disciples dare. We cannot underestimate the courage and daring of the Samaritan in this parable. Talk about risk! Talk about breaking taboo! Talk about going against the flow! Could it be that we have become too realistic and calculating in our ministry? Could it be that we are have become analyzers, scrutinizing people and/or their situation/needs rather than daring to act when ministry opportunities are looking right at us eye-to-eye? This is not senseless thoughtless reaction. It is not a knee-jerk reaction to every need that presents itself. It is Spirit directed and empowered response when ministry opportunities present themselves. How often have we been the Priest or Levite? How often have we allowed status quo, peer opinion or even our own religiosity hold us back? Could it be that it is time dare; dare to allow the Spirit to grant us courage to step out and care for our neighbor? Christians dare!
Christ’s disciples give. One of the risks the Samaritan took was not only paying for the man’s housing and care but committing to pay the balance when he returned. There is no hesitation on his part. He gives what is necessary for ministry to happen. He gives time, effort, personal belongings and money to his neighbor. Love does not keep records or ask for repayment. Neither does it frivolously thoughtless throw resources around. Rather love gratefully accepts God provisions (all that we “possess” are gracious resource gifts) and uses them for His plans and purposes under His direction and love’s prompting. Christians give!
This parable is no longer the familiar comfortable parable. The words reach our and grab us; “Go and do likewise!” Beloved this parable will not allow us to remain idle. Jesus’ words are clear, concise, and insistent – “Go and do likewise”. Therefore we go caring, daring, and giving.
Keep Close to Jesus.
Pastor Gerry