The Parable of the Good Samaritan essentially answers two questions: "What does love look like?" And "Who is my neighbour?"
What does love look like?
Love doesn't look like a Priest who walks past a half dead body on the side of the road between Jericho and Jerusalem. The priest is a symbol of somebody allegedly caught up in loving God. The Levite, who also walks past the half dead body is allegedly somebody who rigorously enforces and keeps God's laws. But neither reflect God's law or God's love.The Samaritan turns out to be the only one who reflects God's love to the beaten and broken man lying on the side of the road.
Modelling this kind of love is the condition says Jesus, for inheriting eternal life.
For being an heir, a child of God.
Who is my neighbour?
Who is my neighbour / who are the children of God that I should love? The answer that Jesus gives to the lawyer is the example of a Samaritan. The answer for you and I is - whoever you are most prejudiced against. Samaritan lives matter. They are just as much God's children as you or I.Disillusioned
I became disilusioned. South Africa and the rest of the world are engaged in horribly hateful racist rhetoric. I wish I could dismiss this as fanfare but we see it and experience it on a daily basis. I start to think that there is no hope for the world because even Christians seem to forget Jesus' call to us to get over our prejudice and love our various Samaritans the way God loves them.Rekindled
In Colossians Paul writes to a church of people whose 'love for all the saints' (Colossians 1:3) is making them famous. This is not love for saints in heaven; or for fellow Christians. This is love for all the children of God who are holy to God because they are created in God's image.Samaritans, gentiles, red and yellow black and white they are precious in his sight, Jesus loves the children of the world. Paul celebrates this community that is learning to love because they have heard the gospel news about Jesus and have 'understood God's grace in all its truth.' (Colossians 1:6).
The good news of God's love for you helps you to realise God's love for you and your Samaritan neighbour... And everyone else.
All over the world
Paul also says that 'all over the world this gospel is bearing fruit and growing.' (Colossians 1:6). I can easily be overwhelmed by the bad news of hatred and bigotry. But in faith I believe what Paul is saying - and I need to take up my place in this growing fruit bearing tree. Learning to love my personal Samaritans like the Samaritan loved; like God loves.And also - learning to see the glimpses, the moments of Kingdom Brightness that shine through - Paul says the gospel is bearing fruit and growing.
I see this in churches and community organisations that are talking about bigotry and prejudice. In Christians who are confessing and doing something to make a difference. In acts of solidarity rather than division. Because of the parable of the Good Samaritan I must also see this among people who are different to me... different denominations, even different religions.
Lets bear that fruit.
