The story of the Good Samaritan is a powerful
illustration of how we should meet the needs of other people. Against the
historical background, this parable is even more challenging.
During New Testament times, there was a great
division between the Jewish populace and their neighbours, the Samaritans.
Their disagreements centred around a religious point. The Samaritans believed
the true place of worship was Samaritan on Mount Gerizim; the Jews held that
the temple at Jerusalem was the rightful place.
The Jews disliked the Samaritans so much that they
chose not to go near their towns. Even when they travelled to Galilee, they
avoided the direct route through Samaria and took the longer, more arduous trip
through the wilderness, through Jericho, and up the desert Rift Valley.
This road from Jerusalem to Jericho was known as
Maale Addumin, meaning, “the ascent of blood.” For here thieves and robbers
often attacked the travellers.
It was along this road that Jesus told the story of
the Good Samaritan. A Jewish man was travelling this route when thieves
attacked him, beat him, and left him for dead. Shortly thereafter, a Levitical
priest travelled by, but upon seeing the man, crossed the road and left him.
Soon after, another Jewish man passed by and also offered no assistance.
Finally a Samaritan who normally did not journey on this road came upon the
beaten man. Not only did he stop, but he carried the Jew to an inn where he
paid for the man’s rest and recovery.
Jesus commended the Samaritan for truly having love
for his neighbour. Despite his religious, cultural, and ethnic differences, the
Samaritan reached out to meet the needs of the Jew.
In the same manner, we must look out for the needs of
those around us especially in this festive season. We can put away our
prejudices and sacrifice our time, money and energy to help heal the spiritual,
emotional, and physical needs of both our neighbours and strangers.
Happy Festive Season.
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