" The Parable of the Good Samaritan"

Luke 10:25-37

Dr. D. Timothy Nordstrom, Village Pastor

One of the most famous parables that Jesus taught is the Parable of the Good Samaritan. When our founding father, Dad Hoeger, was looking for a name for his newly formed society, back in September 29, 1922, he could think of no better name than that of Good Samaritan Society.

Think with me about that Good Samaritan. When the priest and the Levite saw the man in need, they did nothing, they simply passed by on the other side. They did not want to get involved. They did not care. They came up with all kinds of excuses for not getting involved.

But when the Samaritan came to the place of need, he stopped, got off his animal, and went to the man and touched him. It costs him time, money and inconvenience. He had follow through, because he said, "Take care of him; and whatever more you spend, when I come again, I will repay you" (Luke 10:35).

Jesus asked the lawyer, "So which of these three, do you think was neighbor to him who fell among the thieves?" And he said, "He who showed mercy on him" Then Jesus said to him. "Go and do likewise," (Luke 10:37). Jesus says the same to us. If you know what to do, do it! Be that good Samaritan to the one in need. The needs are all around us. Listen to their cry. See a need and fill it.

One act of mercy, motivated by Christian compassion, not only pleases the Lord and helps the needy, it also blesses the one who ministered. The poet said it well: "Only one life,'twill soon be past: Only what's done for Christ will last."