Intro
I realize this is a sticky situation because I’ve heard countless faith-driven orators, those much more skilled than me, speak about this passage. Of course I’m apprehensive about critiquing the interpretation of a passage that is used as a flag-ship model for Mercy Ships, World Vision, and Samaritan’s Purse, the latter’s name being derived directly from this passage. I should mention that my intentions are far from pretentious, but rather my thoughts arise from a great deal of reflection and study. From my fallible mind I grapple with this passage, and I wholeheartedly welcome feedback from my brothers and sisters.
Now for the Meat
Everyone knows the Parable of the Good Samaritan. This passage is frequently used to justify the need to serve the poor and those in need, which is fine. Jesus clearly tells us to follow the example of the Good Samaritan, that there is no debate. “Go and do likewise.” Serve those in need. Piece of cake.
But there is something we’re missing if we stop there. When Jesus says, “Love your neighbor as you love yourself,” notice the initial question from the law expert. “And who is my neighbor?” asks the expert, or alternatively, “So who do I love?” (vs 29)
Jesus responds with the parable of the Good Samaritan, which you know I’m sure, and closes with, “Which of these three do you think was a neighbor to the man who fell into the hands of robbers?” (vs 36) Or, “Which of these three should you love?”
Every Christian I’ve heard, and maybe you at this very moment, thinks that the victim—the one who was robbed—is our neighbor. The one we must love. But Jesus is asking “Which of these three” is the neighbor and we’re called to love? The priest, the Levite, or the Samaritan? The expert responds with “The one who had mercy on him,” (vs 37) or put plainly “The Samaritan.” Jesus makes no mention of the victim, almost as if it’s already a given that we’re supposed to love and help the guy who got beat up and robbed. Before we love the victim we are called to love Someone else first, which then fuels our love to help those in need. The Samaritan. Jesus responds, “Correct. Go and follow his example.”
I do not think it is necessary at this point to indulge in a hidden allegory to find a cryptic message in this parable, though it is fascinating and worthy of study to consider the priest being the Law, the Levite as being the Prophets, and the Samaritan as Christ. (especially considering that the Samaritan saved the victim, paid his debt, and promised that he’d be back. Christ figure anyone?)
But again, the main point—the message Jesus wanted to get across to the law expert—is to love those who respond in grace and to follow their example. It was no mistake Jesus chose a Samaritan as the “Good example to follow” in His story. Loving, and let along following, the example of a Samaritan was the epitome of violating Jewish tradition and customs. And Jesus’ message was all about living by grace and not by a list of rules. Jesus reestablished this notion all the throughout His life, an example being when He ate with tax collectors. “Why are you eating with sinners?” the Pharisees asked and Jesus responded, “Guys. It’s not about a list of rules… it’s about grace.” (Beau’s paraphrase… His exact words were “I desire mercy not sacrifice.”) (Matthew 9:13)
Thus the moral of the Good Samaritan Parable, which differs slightly from traditional misinterpretation: We are to love The Way of the Heart. We are to love this Way as much as “you love yourself.” Furthermore, “go and do likewise.” Act on that love. Let it drive you to help those who have fallen.
So as you can see, the main point really hasn’t changed much; Christians everywhere still understand the moral is following the example of the Good Samaritan. But something important is added when we correctly read Christ’s parable: We are called not only to follow the Good Samaritan’s model, but we are to love that model as we love ourselves. Then that love for Him is what drives our desire to help those in need.
A love for Jesus.
