Luke 10:25-37
“Notice what you notice.” I was born in Good Samaritan Hospital in Vincennes, Indiana, so from my earliest memories I have enjoyed this story.
Ever since Carol shared with us about how the Pharisees tested “would-be” messiahs, I’ve been more aware of the scribes and Pharisees and their discussions with Jesus. Today Luke has the lawyer (scribe) directly putting Jesus to the test. It’s not about His miracles, however, but more about His theology. My Study Bible pointed out that the lawyer, since he was an expert in the Law, would clearly have known how Jesus should have answered his first question, as to how he could inherit eternal life. However, Jesus avoided answering his question by turning the question back to the lawyer. The lawyer gave the right answer, but then, having failed to “test” Jesus, went one deeper in trying to find some offense that he could charge Him with. Thus began Jesus’ gift of the parable of the Good Samaritan!
The Samaritan was generous well beyond my prior understanding. I have often glossed over the “two denarii” that the Samaritan left behind. But that amount, two days wages back then, was equivalent to roughly $360 in today’s United States (U.S. BLS). So it was a hefty chunk of change – enough (again from my Study Bible) to put someone up along that road for up to two months’ lodging! So Jesus is making this Samaritan quite generous, in addition to his obvious compassion.
The contrast with the priest and the Levite grows with every facet of the story:
- The Samaritan used his own personal belongings (bandages, oil, and wine, in addition to his own time) to treat the wounded man;
- He put him on his own animal to take him to the inn;
- While at the inn he “took care of him”;
- He delayed his own trip and spent the night at the inn (possibly to watch him overnight?);
- As he left he gave the innkeeper enough cash to house the man for two months;
- He promised to pay more on his way back, if needed.
Unpack this parable and it’s so much more than just a nice story!! GLORY!!
Slava Bohu!
Amen to that, Fred!
Indeed! Only by God’s grace can we give so much to those in need. Everyone is our neighbor, to be seen through God’s eyes to show love and mercy. What a challenge.
Many times I just want the Lord to tell me what to do. I seek a direct & simple response. But in his response to the lawyer’s test, Jesus shows his wisdom. He offers alternatives, he makes the lawyer think, but does tell him what to do. He ends by saying, “Go and do likewise,” after Jesus structures the parable for the lawyer to choose showing mercy to a stranger.
What I take from these verses and from David’s sermons is that we have thousands of transactions in life with other people and with temptations that cross our path. There are no simple answers to these experiences, but God offers us choices to abide by his wisdom which he puts before us through the scriptures.
So it’s good to make lawyers think, right Jim? Even today’s lawyers…??!! :-)!
Thanks for posting!