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Faith walk: The neighbor

Dr. William P. Register
Posted 5/23/18

One of the greatest parables Jesus every told was “The Good Samaritan.” He told it when a man asked Him the question, “Who is my neighbor.” I see at least three powerful truths that stand out …

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Faith walk: The neighbor


Posted

One of the greatest parables Jesus every told was “The Good Samaritan.” He told it when a man asked Him the question, “Who is my neighbor.” I see at least three powerful truths that stand out in this parable.

What’s yours in mine; I will take it!

In the parable, Jesus told of a traveler who was on his way from Jerusalem to Jericho. Thieves attacked him, bet him and stole all he had.

This a major tenet of the world philosophy. It is a play on the old canard “might makes right.”

When a person’s possessions are wrongfully taken from him by force, deception or coercion of any kind, the taker is like the robbers in Jesus’ story. It is the way of the world for the strong to take from the weak.

What’s mine is mine; I will keep it.

A priest saw the injured man and crossed the road to avoid him as he walked past. Another religious leader, a Levite, did the same thing. Jesus is saying that religion is not the answer for man’s needs.

Selfishness is a curse that only love can cure. The people that you would expect to show love and compassion to the victim – religious leaders – failed miserably as they decided to keep all they had instead of helping the man who was in great need.

What’s mine is yours; I will give it.

A man came along the road and saw the injured man lying there in need. He stopped and helped him. After attending to his wounds, the helper took the man to a safe place. He paid his bill in advance and told the innkeeper to take care of him. He assured the innkeeper that he would return to pay any additional charges incurred for the man’s care.

You can only keep what you are willing to give away. Jesus told the young man who was seeking eternal life to give up everything for Him and he would have treasures in heaven. And he warned all of us against the selfish hoarding of this world’s goods when He said, “Store your treasures in heaven…” (Matthew 6:19-21)

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