One of these stories is the ‘Good Samaritan’ (Luke 10:30-35). Jesus tells this story to show the difference between heroes and the ordinary; the difference between being religious or making a difference for God. The story describes how the Priest passes by, so does the Levite, but the Samaritan stops, loves, heals, gives, then goes the extra mile and says ‘Whatever else you need, put that on my account.
Before we give the Priest and the Levite a hard time, let’s think of ourselves. Remember being in a hurry at the supermarket and seeing the lady from two doors down who always has problems? Being in a hurry, you scoot down the next aisle, missing her in the check-out, then scamper home? Yes, we have all done it! Let’s think a little deeper about the text.
Why might we pass by? Sometimes it takes real effort to care for the lost and hurting. Sometimes, it is just easier to go to our praise services and home groups than grapple with the big issues. We need to remember our goal is not theology, or spiritual recognition.
Our main goal is to be like Jesus!
Pastor Roger
