The tale of the Good Samaritan has been a Bible story many can quote or point out specific details. It is a parable Jesus used in response to a lawyer that had questioned Him about salvation and the law in Luke 10:25-37. What is the moral of this story and how does it apply to today, especially in the wake of the coronavirus? Both of these questions will be answered in this article.
The Good Samaritan
Understanding the history behind this story is crucial to comprehend its moral. Below is a video by Rhoda and Sergio that details the history behind the Luke 10:25-37 passage.
"From Jericho to Jerusalem, Walking the Ancient Trail of the Good Samaritan" video by Rhoda and Sergio
Life Evaluation
In the wake of the Coronavirus, life in 2020 has been reshaped and perhaps might be for a good while. The world is suffering pain and affliction and loss has caused many to evaluate their lives. The story of the Good Samaritan draws out several key points.
The Question of Treasure
Matthew 6:20-21 in the NASB edition states "But store up for yourselves treasures in heaven, where neither moth nor rust destroys, and where thieves do not break in and steal; for where your treasure is, there your heart will be also."
Jesus is addressing believers. He is stating that where the treasure is, the focus of life will be. There is a temporal treasure and eternal treasure, the corruptible vs incorruptible. Nothing from this life currently can be brought into heaven. So does this mean that God does not permit us to own anything? No, God is not against possessions if they do not become an idol or a stumbling block to lusting and coveting or enslave someone in sin. This is the reason why government ideologies such as Socialism and Communism are antiGod and corrupt. They are ideas that look good on paper but do not amount to practicality or spirituality. A few passages that expound on this subject are the following:
1 Timothy 4:4
Proverbs 6:6-8
1 Timothy 5:8
https://videopress.com/v/sHbMn43R?preloadContent=metadata
Abraham, David, Solomon, and Job were very wealthy physically (and spiritually with wisdom) while they were on earth. One could argue that so are the false teachers of today like Joel Olsteen, Beth Moore, Kenneth Copeland, etc. There is a stark comparison between physically wealthy and spiritually bankrupt. The difference between Abraham, David, Solomon, and Job and the false teachers of today in relation to the wealth is the motive of the heart in connection to it. Abraham, David, Solomon, and Job were believers in Christ and God used their wealth as a blessing (all were put through trials in life, I'll note) while the false teachers of today have been given over to a depraved mind in judgment.
The Reflection of the Soul
2. The Question of Vision
Luke's Gospel account goes into more detail about this encounter with the lawyer, compared to Matthew's and Mark's accounts. In Matthew 6, there is a reference to ophthalmology, the study of the eye. The eye still today is seen as the "window of the soul." And there are many reasons why this holds true. One of those reasons is a reflection of the heart or intentions. If one was to interview a serial killer, for example, and his (or her) eyes were looked into, darkness would be seen. God is giving an example in this passage that reflects intentions. If the eye is of light, the body will be light. If the eye is of darkness, the body will be in darkness due to the focus. It is a spiritual metaphor illustrated through a physical example. The scripture passages that further illustrate this point are below. God is showing that people will do what is right in their own eyes and try to justify what is right from wrong.
Psalm 119:10, 18
Judges 17:6, 21:25
Matthew 6:20 (spiritual cataract)
1 Timothy 6:6
Philippians 4:19
Psalm 128:2-3
Sermon "A Heart of Compassion" The lesson of the Good Samaritan teaches and draws to the frontlines of the mind that even those who are in the church will not want to "get their hands dirty" so to speak with those that are in need. Below is a sermon by Community Bible Church entitled "A Heart of Compassion" that further illustrates the key points in Luke 10:25-37.
More articles like this one are below.
The Myth Complex Part 2
Tested by Fire
The Hush of 2020
American Gospel
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Lending a Hand
The numbers of the victims of human trafficking and the stories behind the numbers are why Blissful Faith is partnering with nonprofit organizations to help fund rescues and recovery programs for those entrapped in bondage. Each number is a person. You can be the one to help make a difference by purchasing a shirt (coming soon to the blog in a few weeks) or by ordering a downloadable product currently in the store, in which proceeds will go to nonprofits that seek to give a voice to the voiceless. See more on human trafficking from my previous articles below:
The Price of Freedom
Knowing Freedom
Blissful Faith started as a lifestyle and branched into a blog to help others hear about Jesus Christ and how they too can develop a blissful faith through knowing God. This blog’s purpose is to be an evangelical outreach to further the kingdom of Christ. Furthering the kingdom means stretching outside of the comfort zone, comprehending and working towards meeting the needs of others. Putting faith to action keeps it from becoming stagnant.
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