Would We Show Mercy? As Jesus Shows His Mercy to Us
Jesus commands us. To love others. To care for and tend to others.
In reply, Jesus said: “A man was going down from Jerusalem to Jericho when he was attacked by robbers. They stripped him of his clothes, beat him and went away, leaving him half dead. A priest happened to be going down the same road, and when he saw the man, he passed by on the other side. So too, a Levite, when he came to the place and saw him, passed by on the other side. But a Samaritan, as he travelled, came where the man was; and when he saw him, he took pity on him. He went to him and bandaged his wounds, pouring on oil and wine. Then he put the man on his own donkey, brought him to an inn and took care of him. The next day he took out two denarii and gave them to the innkeeper. ‘Look after him,’ he said, ‘and when I return, I will reimburse you for any extra expense you may have.’
“Which of these three do you think was a neighbour to the man who fell into the hands of robbers?”
The expert in the law replied, “The one who had mercy on him.”
Jesus told him, “Go and do likewise.” (Luke, 10:30–37, NIV)
Reflection. Jesus commands us to: “Go and do likewise.”
I pray we are always a good neighbour. No matter who it is. No matter, where she comes from. When in need. We stop. Lend a helping hand. Care for and tend to the needs of those hurting — ALWAYS.
Once more, my dear reader. This article is a Bible Study. Today we are delving into Jesus’ Parable of the Good Samaritan.
Jesus’ parable about the Good Samaritan. Focuses on love. As do all His parables. This parable focuses on Risk-taking love. Jesus our Lord. Jesus the Great Teacher, in this parable. Shows us the value and the urgency of risk-taking in love. Jesus is speaking of sincere, “risk-taking love.”
Our Lord Jesus. Our Teacher is not specific about who this Samaritan is. This non-specificity has its reason. Jesus is teaching us to love anyone and everyone. For Jesus, it does not matter the ethnicity, religion, skin colour, gender or age of a person. To Jesus, all people are beloved creations of the Heavenly Father.
We are dedicated and devoted followers of Jesus. As such. We do as Jesus does. We listen to and follow Jesus’ lessons. When Jesus tells us to love anyone and everyone. We do. We love everyone. With the love of Jesus. Jesus’ love is kind, tender and compassionate. We speak to each person. With respect and dignity. We speak to each person. For who they are. The very image of Almighty God. The very likeness of their Creator God.
We picture this Samaritan. This poor and suffering soul. He has been beaten so badly. He is close to death. His face is buried in the dust of the road. Even his clothing has been stolen. His injuries are many and he is bleeding still. Without our assistance. He may die. There is no one else on this lonely stretch of the country road. No one. The night is approaching fast.
Love is active, inconvenient, risky, and might not be reciprocated. What if, in Jesus’ parable of the Good Samaritan, the wounded traveler had died, or was unable to repay the Samaritan? (Candice Lucey, 09/09/2020)
Did Jesus ever pause and ask Himself? Am I going to be repaid for my time and effort? Am I? We believe, deep in our hearts. No Jesus loves with “risk-taking” love. Jesus would not even contemplate such a question. Jesus loves anyone and everyone. Without question. Without hesitation.
This is how Jesus wants us to love others. With no hesitation. With no question. With risk-taking love. Not thinking of ourselves. Thinking only of the needs of the others. Thinking only how we can heal the wounds of the other. Caring for and tending to the needs of the other. Thinking not of the cost involved.
Scripture Reading: The Beatitudes: Blessed are the merciful, for they will be shown mercy. (Matthew 5:7, ESV)
The Parable of the Good Samaritan is very relevant today.
Have we experienced a time when we passed a car on a highway? Broken down. A man alone. On the side of the road looking sad and oh! so confused. Did we just drive on? Did we give ourselves valid reasons not to pull over? It is getting dark. He may have an ultimate motive for pulling us over. We are in a hurry. Someone else will help him. A million and one excuses.
Jesus when He was teaching this parable. As He did with all His lessons. Had a deeper meaning. This parable speaks of Jesus’ unconditional love for all those He encounters on His way. We recall His encounter with the leper. The untouchable in his community. Where people could not get closer than a couple of meters. Jesus approached this sad and lonely man. Jesus approached this man with kindness, tenderness, compassion and deep, deep love.
Would we? We should! We must! As Jesus’ trusted followers we must. We feel the love of Jesus. When in sadness, we need Him. Jesus is here for us. Jesus’ unconditional love and tender mercy are always there for us. Jesus’ parable of the Good Samaritan must be the way we all live. An allegory for Christianity as a whole. The basis for our faith and our lives. For in Christ, we are all ONE.
In Jesus’ parable,
The thieves who attack the man represent hostile forces in the world. The priest who passes by the man in need represents the Law, while the Levite represents the prophets; but the Samaritan represents Christ. The inn to which the Samaritan takes the wounded man represents the Church, while the fact that the Samaritan promises he will return represents Jesus’ later promised Second Coming. (Dr Oliver Tearle (Loughborough University)
Conclusion. The parable of the Good Samaritan. Is Jesus’ lesson in “risk-taking love?” That all people are our neighbours. It does not matter who they are. Or where they come from. We love anyone and everyone.
“Laying It All Down” is beautifully sung by Brazilian opera performer, Nathan Pacheco.
Gary’s article is both inspiring and beneficial, Diane.
I pray there was something in my article where God blessed you.
If so, please highlight this piece.
Send me a comment on how God blessed you through my words.
God keep you safe under His wings always, Diane.
