The ingredients that make up the familiar story of the Good Samaritan are found on the pages of daily newspapers. There is really nothing new under the sun. In this story, Christ talked about violence—and we certainly have plenty of that today.

He talked about crime, racial discrimination, and hatred. In this parable we see neglect and unconcern, but we also see love and mercy. The person who says the Bible is not relevant to our modern world has never read this parable. We know what the parable says, but what does it mean?

Some ancient scholars tried to make everything in this story symbolize something, but this approach took them on a detour. The story was given because a lawyer (an expert in Jewish law) asked Jesus, “And who is my neighbor?”

He was really trying to rescue himself from losing an argument, but Jesus used his question as an opportunity to teach an important truth: namely, you cannot separate your relationship with God from your relationship with your fellowman.

One act of ministry, motivated by Christian compassion, not only pleases the Lord and helps the needy—it also blesses the one ministering. The results go on forever.

Verse for today: “For all the law is fulfilled in one word, even in this; thou shalt love thy neighbor as thyself” (Galatians 5:14).

Consider: Matthew 19:19; Luke 16:15.

Action assignment: Read the parable of the Good Samaritan in Luke 10:25-37. Today, determine in what way you can act upon Jesus’ command, “Go, and do thou likewise.”

WARREN W. WIERSBE
www.backtothebible.in