Parable of the Good Samaritan
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again, I will repay thee.” The priest and the Levite both professed piety,
but the Samaritan showed that he was truly converted. It was no more
agreeable for him to do the work than for the priest and the Levite, but
in spirit and works he proved himself to be in harmony with God.
In giving this lesson Christ presented the principles of the law in
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a direct, forcible way, showing His hearers that they had neglected
to carry out these principles. His words were so definite and pointed
that the listeners could find no opportunity to cavil. The lawyer found
in the lesson nothing that he could criticize. His prejudice in regard
to Christ was removed. But he had not overcome his national dislike
sufficiently to give credit to the Samaritan by name. When Christ
asked, “Which now of these three, thinkest thou, was neighbour unto
him that fell among the thieves?” he answered, “He that shewed mercy
on him.”
“Then said Jesus unto him, Go, and do thou likewise.” Show the
same tender kindness to those in need. Thus you will give evidence
that you keep the whole law.—
Christ’s Object Lessons, 379, 380
.
Anyone in Need Is Our Neighbor—Any human being who needs
our sympathy and our kind offices is our neighbor. The suffering and
destitute of all classes are our neighbors; and when their wants are
brought to our knowledge, it is our duty to relieve them as far as
possible.—
Testimonies for the Church 4:226, 227
.
By this parable the duty of man to his fellow man is forever settled.
We are to care for every case of suffering and to look upon ourselves
as God’s agents to relieve the needy to the very uttermost of our ability.
We are to be laborers together with God. There are some who manifest
great affection for their relatives, for their friends and favorites, who
yet fail to be kind and considerate to those who need tender sympathy,
who need kindness and love. With earnest hearts let us inquire, Who is
my neighbor? Our neighbors are not merely our associates and special
friends; they are not simply those who belong to our church, or who
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think as we do. Our neighbors are the whole human family. We are to
do good to all men, and especially to those who are of the household
of faith. We are to give to the world an exhibition of what it means
to carry out the law of God. We are to love God supremely and our
neighbor as ourselves.—
The Review and Herald, January 1, 1895
.
True Religion Misrepresented—The priest and the Levite had
been for worship to the Temple, whose service was appointed by God