A familiar story to everyone, it is called the parable of the "Good Samaritan". This may have been more than a parable, it may have been a recent event that was in the news. It was a likely story. The road from Jericho to Jerusalem was often traveled by priests who lived in Jericho but ministered in Jerusalem. The Levites, who served the priests were also common on the road. Perhaps Jesus is re-counting an incident but either way He is illustrating a greater truth thru the story.

A certain man was attacked, beaten robbed and left for dead. Who were the thieves? Arabian highwaymen? Whether they were Arabians, plunderers, that lived by spoil, some criminals his own nation, or some of the Roman soldiers, who, despite the strict discipline of their army, did this harm, it is not clear; but they were HARD UP. Virtually always those who BEAT UP are the HARD UP. They are most often the ones who were first victims of life's hardships. In today’s situation it likely would have been a "gang" related crime. There is a just indignation that rises within us when we hear of such crimes. The calloused hatred of such people stir a righteous anger within us.

Regardless, the man needed help. He was likely a Jew and it would be helpful to him if someone of his own nation and religion would come by.

A priest came by. He saw him and could not help but discern his desperate need. His bloody body and groans...the priest had to know. What a MESSED UP heart the priest had. A man of public character and religious prominence; a man who professed sanctity, whose office obliged him to tenderness and compassion (See Hebrews 5:1,2), who ought to have taught others such a case as this...PASSED UP by the MESSED UP!

What a horrible feeling he must have had if he was conscious...a priest turned away from him. Surely the priest was justifying his actions...he was tired and was on his way home, no one was looking, his reputation was not at stake...he was MESSED UP in his relationship to God and to himself and others. Listen, the are some MESSED UP hearts in the lives of so-called FIXED UP people.

Now comes the Levite, he not only saw the hurting man, he "looked upon him". He surveyed the damage, maybe made eye contact. But quickly got as far away as possible, as if to say "I did not know". Maybe he was too important. He was part of the DRESSED UP society. Knowing better but doing it anyway. Compassion was part of his daily learning and teaching. The BEAT UP by the HARD UP was now PASSED UP by the MESSED UP and the DRESSED UP.

The Bible says he was half-dead. I’m guessing the Priest and the Levite perceived that the situation required more than they were willing to give. It would be more than just helping him to his feet. It would mean time, effort and money. It is interesting that whenever Jesus is asked "difficult" questions, He simply says, "Love me and then love your neighbor as yourself." The Word emphasizes that this SUMS UP the commandments of God!

Who is this so-called "good Samaritan"? He could have been "DRESSED UP", but he wasn’t MESSED UP. A good Samaritan in reality would have been one that kept the law, that obeyed the commandments. Today there are only a few hundred Samaritans located in Nablus about 40 miles north of Jerusalem. Of course, you know of the Samaritan woman in John 4. The issue is not that the man was a Samaritan but that he obeyed God’s law and that his heart had connection with God’s heart. He could not help but show compassion. God is Love!

This man PICKED UP the BROKEN UP. He loved the unlovely, it is obvious that this man already had a relationship to God. He was FIXED UP. A good sign of a FIXED UP heart is compassion. Not caring is an obvious sign of a MESSED UP heart.

Not only did he PICK UP the wounded man. He GAVE UP his own comfort, he put the man on "his own beast". GAVE UP his own time and money. PAID UP his medical needs and his room and board.

It is often we feel that we don’t MEASURE UP. But in reality, God has not asked much of us. To love Him with all of our mind, heart and soul and to love others as we love ourselves. Anyone who has been CLEANED UP by the Blood of Jesus Christ can STEP UP and be obedient.

Thank you as always for helping support this ministry. We have great reports from our services in Perryton and from prison services in Jacksboro and Bridgeport.

<< Go back to the Newsletter Index

Just for Jesus,

Don

On Bedford Road 3 blocks west of Central Dr