The Good Samaritan

(Version 1.2)

The parable of the Good Samaritan is more than a story about a man who went on a journey and fell among thieves, got beat up badly and left

for dead, then eventually found by a Samaritan who nursed him back to health. From this story, we can also create a picture that portrays the fall of mankind, the salvation that comes through the Messiah, and those called being brought into the Church, the House of God.

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Let us begin by reading this parable, which is only found in the gospel of Luke.

Luke 10:25-37 And behold, a certain lawyer stood up and tested Him, saying, "Teacher, what shall I do to inherit eternal life?" 26 He said to him, "What is written in the law? What is your reading of it?" 27 So he answered and said, "‘You shall love the Lord your God with all your heart, with all your soul, with all your strength, and with all your mind,’ and ‘your neighbor as yourself.’" 28 And He said to him, "You have answered rightly; do this and you will live." 29 But he, wanting to justify himself, said to Jesus, "And who is my neighbor?" 30 Then Jesus answered and said: "A certain man went down from Jerusalem to Jericho, and fell among thieves, who stripped him of his clothing, wounded him, and departed, leaving him half dead. 31 Now by chance a certain priest came down that road. And when he saw him, he passed by on the other side. 32 Likewise a Levite, when he arrived at the place, came and looked, and passed by on the other side. 33 But a certain Samaritan, as he journeyed, came where he was. And when he saw him, he had compassion. 34 So he went to him and bandaged his wounds, pouring on oil and wine; and he set him on his own animal, brought him to an inn, and took care of him. 35 On the next day, when he departed, he took out two denarii, gave them to the innkeeper, and said to him, ‘Take care of him; and whatever more you spend, when I come again, I will repay you.’ 36 So which of these three do you think was neighbor to him who fell among the thieves? "37 And he said, "He who showed mercy on him." Then Jesus said to him, "Go and do likewise."

We’ll start at verse 30 and examine it verse by verse to gain a fuller understanding of its meaning.

Verse 30: Then Jesus answered and said: "A certain man went down from Jerusalem to Jericho, and fell among thieves, who stripped him of his clothing, wounded him, and departed, leaving him half dead.

We can interpret the man in this story as representing Adam and all his descendants, who make up the human race. The journey from Jerusalem to Jericho symbolizes humanity's departure from the Garden of Eden and the laws of God. It's possible to understand the thieves in this parable as representing demons (especially Satan), who stripped Adam of his clothing and did the same to the rest of mankind.

It's worth noting that Adam and Eve were naked when they lived in the Garden of Eden (Gen. 2:25), which refers to their spiritual garment of purity, innocence, and truth before they ate the forbidden fruit. This isn't referring to the physical clothing we wear today.

From that point, the demons wounded mankind, preventing them from having a right relationship with God. They deprived mankind of the seed of understanding and, as a result, left us spiritually half-dead.

Let us consider the path from Jerusalem to Jericho. It is steep and passes through a lonely, desolate and rocky country. It was an ideal country for thieves and robbers to wait for lonely travellers to come along. A common theme throughout the Bible is to stay in the way or on the path (Pro. 1:15; 4:18, 26; 5:6; Isa. 26:7; Ps. 27:11; Ruth 1:7). We are told not to enter the path of the wicked, or go in the way of evil men (Pro. 4:14). We are to delight in the path of God’s commandments (Ps. 119:35) which brings life (Ps.16:11).

Verses 31-32: Now by chance a certain priest came down that road. And when he saw him, he passed by on the other side. 32 Likewise, a Levite, when he arrived at the place, came and looked, and passed by on the other side.

Israel was destined to be a shining example to the nations. The priesthood was meant to demonstrate the faithful execution of the laws and embody God's merciful nature by selflessly prioritizing the needs of their brethren.

Galatians 6:3 If you think you are too important to help someone in need, you are only fooling yourself. You are really a nobody.

Their unwillingness to serve and love their fellow man showed how this type of thinking, which could be described as a type of spiritual leprosy, spread and ruined those closest to them, their brothers, the Levites. Eventually, the entire nation would be infected by this uncaring way of thinking. The Bible teaches that God desires mercy more than sacrifice (Hosea 6:6; Matthew 9:13).

The Law states that we are expected to help a countryman’s donkey who has fallen by the way and not ignore them. How much more are we then expected to help when it is another human being who has fallen physically as well as spiritually? Christ raised the bar stating that we should love even our enemies (Mat. 5:44).

Deut. 22:4 ESV You shall not see your brother's donkey or his ox fallen down by the way and ignore them. You shall help him to lift them up again.

Exod. 23:5 If you see the donkey of one who hates you lying {helpless} under its load, you shall refrain from leaving it to him, you shall surely release {it} with him.

In addition to providing physical assistance, we can also offer prayers or even fast to appeal to God the Father for intervention. When individuals gain an understanding of God’s Law, they can seek repentance for their wrongdoings and undergo baptism. This scripture emphasizes our responsibility not to ignore those in need and to provide assistance, even if they may harbour negative feelings towards us. It encourages us to share the burden of those in need and work together to provide support.

Christ has been appointed by his God and Father as the eternal High Priest of creation (Ps. 110:4; Heb. 5:6; 6:20; 7:11, 21). Christ serves as the mediator between God and humanity (Heb. 9:15). As the body of Christ, we are called to act as the royal priesthood under Christ, our high priest (1 Pet. 2:9; Exod. 19:6). We are tasked with representing a new covenant that not only emphasizes the physical aspects of the law but also its deeper spiritual implications.

Galatians 6:2 Share each other’s troubles and problems, and in this way obey the law of Christ.

Verse 33: But a certain Samaritan, as he journeyed, came where he was. And when he saw him, he had compassion.

The story does not specify the direction in which the Samaritan was travelling. However, it becomes evident that he was heading towards Jerusalem because, as we will see, this particular Samaritan represents Christ.

Christ is currently on a journey, leading the Church, which has been in the wilderness for the past 2000 years (that is, 40 Jubilees). As he leads us, he does not avoid or ignore those whom his Father sends to him for help along the way (John 6:37). This journey is characterized by devotion and obedience to his God and Father. Refer to the study document 'Who is God?'

It's important to remember that the Jews accused Christ of being a Samaritan because he did not adhere to the traditions of the Pharisees (John 8:48). He was not recognized by the people of his time (Matthew 16:13-14). What he taught and how he lived was unfamiliar to them. Jesus taught that we are to love all people from all nations equally.

We learn that Christ is compassionate towards us and can sympathise with our weaknesses.

Hebrews 4:15 For we do not have a High Priest who cannot sympathize with our weaknesses, but was in all points tempted as we are, yet without sin. (NKJV)

Verse 34: So he went to him and bandaged his wounds, pouring on oil and wine; and he set him on his own animal, brought him to an inn, and took care of him.

Christ came to bind up the brokenhearted and those who were afflicted.

Isaiah 61:1 The Spirit of the Lord GOD [is] upon me; because the LORD hath anointed me to preach good tidings unto the meek; he hath sent me to bind up the brokenhearted, to proclaim liberty to the captives, and the opening of the prison to [them that are] bound;

One translation says, Kneeling beside him, the Samaritan soothed his wound with medicine and bandaged them'. In this context, oil and wine are depicted as types of medicine. In the past, oil was used to soothe wounds, while wine was used as a disinfectant. The Bible uses oil as a symbol of God’s Holy Spirit, which brings comfort and healing.

The pouring of oil is the first step in a person's healing and conversion. It represents God's calling and His work in opening people's minds to their emotional and mental wounds, which are the result of living and thinking in opposition to God's Will and purpose. After accepting the sacrifice of His Son, a person is then baptized into the Body of Christ, which is the Church of God. See study paper, 'What is the Church Model?'

The pouring of wine, used as a disinfectant, symbolizes the cleansing of our sins with the blood of Christ. God then pours out His Holy Spirit through Christ, continuing to provide comfort and healing for our wounds.

We need to allow God to heal us through His Son. When we do this, Christ comes to us and starts to heal our wounds caused by false doctrines, beliefs, and a way of life that goes against His Father’s Will.

A recently converted person to the faith can be described as a babe in Christ (1 Corinthians 3:1; Ephesians 4:14; 1 Peter 2:2). Christ understands our weaknesses when we come back to His God and Father. When we are lost, Christ steps in and guides us to the right path, leading us to His body, the Church. Unbeknownst to us, God's holy spirit can manifest a curiosity which will lead us to where our God wants us to search (cf. Exod. 3:3).

The wounded man was taken to an inn - a place where everyone was welcomed. It was a place where strangers could find shelter along with their animals. Similarly, when we turn to God, we are brought to a kind of inn, representing the House of God, the Church, which is made up of individuals.

The Church of God is not defined by a formal (incorporated) organisation. We should not consider formal structures as the Church and believe that we must be members of a specific organisation. We, as individuals, are the Church and form the body of Christ. Christ should be at the forefront, and the only one leading us, and not the person elected as leader of an incorporated religious organisation (1 Corinthians 11:3).

For we are both God's workers. And you are God's field. You are God's building. (1Cor. 3:9, NLT, emphasis added)

All of you surely know that you are God's temple and that his Spirit lives in you. (1Cor.3:16, CEV)

It is possible that an inn illustrates the spiritual House of God. At the time of Christ’s life as a man, the spiritual inn was the physical Temple of God, comprised of the Levitical priesthood.

When Christ’s mother, Mary, was about to give birth to him, she sought a place of shelter with her husband Joseph. The two approached an inn, but no room was found for them (Lk. 2:7). This was used to illustrate that the physical priesthood and the nation of Israel at that time would reject the coming Messiah by not making any room for him in their hearts. Also, refusing to allow Mary to give birth in the inn reflected a way that the religious ruling class and scholars would not make room in their hearts for the coming Messiah, with the odd exception.

Christ was born among cattle and beasts to show that the people of the other nations (known as Gentiles) would accept him and allow him, and God who sent him, into their hearts. Christ's placement in a manger (Lk. 2:12) symbolised Messiah as the source of the true bread from heaven that all nations would partake of (Jn. 6:32).

Verse 35: On the next day, when he departed, he took out two denarii, gave them to the innkeeper, and said to him, ‘Take care of him; and whatever more you spend, when I come again, I will repay you.’

We observe that the money was given to the innkeeper. This can be related to the idea of individuals being responsible for managing their own tithes, which was the model for the Second Covenant Church. The Church that Christ established did not require tithes to be sent to a centralized point or a religious organization. Instead, each household was accountable for managing tithes, as they are considered the Church; each one of us is a priest of the order of Melchizedek. Christ did not ask an organization to cover the expenses.

The two denarii given to the innkeeper equals half a shekel, which is the ransom money for a life (Ex. 30:12-13). We have all been ransomed by the sacrifice of Christ. It is the same price for every one of us, regardless of our background, colour, wealth, or status. We are all equal in the sight of God, and we should not think higher or lower of someone based on these factors.

As Christians, we are called to live our lives in accordance with Christ's example. We are to gently and humbly help others who are in need.

Galatians 6:1 Dear brothers and sisters, if another Christian is overcome by some sin, you who are godly should gently and humbly help that person back onto the right path.

We are called to follow Christ’s example of helping people along the way so that when they are strong enough, they will be able to help others in return. We are to share each other’s troubles and problems and support one another. In this way, we obey the law of Christ and we are each responsible for our own conduct (Galatians 6:2-3).

God knows our hearts. What we have sacrificed and given is all accounted for and will be returned to us. Loving our neighbour ensures that we store up treasures in heaven, and when the time comes, we will be repaid in full. We will reap what we sow.

Galatians 6:7 Don’t be misled. Remember that you can’t ignore God and get away with it. You will always reap what you sow

Let's consider the question posed by the scribe to test Christ: "What shall I do to inherit eternal life?" In his response to the lawyer, Christ portrayed himself as a Samaritan who would sacrifice himself to save all mankind, demonstrating that love has no boundaries. Christ showed the selfless act of loving one's neighbour and laying down one's life for his friends. In doing so, Christ fulfilled the Law and left us an example to follow. If we love God, His Son Jesus and one another as Christ loved us, we fulfil the Law (Romans 13:8).

When we do this, we should not be unhappy or give up, even if we don't always receive thanks or appreciation for our actions.

Galatians 6:9 So don’t get tired of doing what is good. Don’t get discouraged and give up, for we will reap a harvest of blessings at the appropriate time.

Whenever we have the opportunity, we should do good deeds for everyone, especially for our Christian brothers and sisters (Gal. 6:10).

Now that we recognise the Samaritan in the story, let us follow his example and do likewise.

End.

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