GPiper
October 7th 2003, 08:17 AM
The parables Jesus used are in some ways like a giant celestial kaleidoscope. Look at them with the eyes of your heart and you’ll see deep mysteries unfold, illuminated and colored by the Holy Spirit. Turn them over and suddenly the pattern and colors change as another mystery unfolds. Keep turning them over and with each turn the great revelation continues soon you’ll discover where one meaning leaves off another begins.
The Parable of the Good Samaritan is one such parable: But the man was anxious to justify himself and said to Jesus, "And who is my neighbor?" In answer Jesus said, "A man was once on his way down from Jerusalem to Jericho and fell into the hands of bandits; they stripped him, beat him and then made off, leaving him half dead. Now a priest happened to be traveling down the same road, but when he saw the man, he passed by on the other side. In the same way a Levite who came to the place saw him, and passed by on the other side. But a Samaritan traveler who came on him was moved with compassion when he saw him. He went up to him and bandaged his wounds, pouring oil and wine on them. He then lifted him onto his own mount and took him to an inn and looked after him. Next day, he took out two denarii's’s and handed them to the innkeeper and said, `Look after him, and on my way back I will make good any extra expense you have.' Which of these three, do you think, proved himself a neighbor to the man who fell into the bandits' hands?" He replied, "The one who showed pity towards him." Jesus said to him, "Go, and do the same yourself."
{Luke 10:28 - 10:37 NJB}
Over the course of my life the Parable of the Good Samaritan has grown to be my favorite because on more than occasion the circumstances of life like the onslaught of bandits has left me bleeding and wounded but Jesus was always there to tend to my wounds. Jesus always picks me up and takes me to God, the Innkeeper of Eternity who strengthens me with the power of his Grace and Peace and when rested sends me back into the mainstream of life.
Today the Parable of the Good Samaritan will etch it’s words into the ongoing autobiography of your life. Do not live your life in the fear of it's dangers simply believe the Parable of the Good Samaritan and its Author.
God is... ... ...The Innkeeper!
Gary
The Parable of the Good Samaritan is one such parable: But the man was anxious to justify himself and said to Jesus, "And who is my neighbor?" In answer Jesus said, "A man was once on his way down from Jerusalem to Jericho and fell into the hands of bandits; they stripped him, beat him and then made off, leaving him half dead. Now a priest happened to be traveling down the same road, but when he saw the man, he passed by on the other side. In the same way a Levite who came to the place saw him, and passed by on the other side. But a Samaritan traveler who came on him was moved with compassion when he saw him. He went up to him and bandaged his wounds, pouring oil and wine on them. He then lifted him onto his own mount and took him to an inn and looked after him. Next day, he took out two denarii's’s and handed them to the innkeeper and said, `Look after him, and on my way back I will make good any extra expense you have.' Which of these three, do you think, proved himself a neighbor to the man who fell into the bandits' hands?" He replied, "The one who showed pity towards him." Jesus said to him, "Go, and do the same yourself."
{Luke 10:28 - 10:37 NJB}
Over the course of my life the Parable of the Good Samaritan has grown to be my favorite because on more than occasion the circumstances of life like the onslaught of bandits has left me bleeding and wounded but Jesus was always there to tend to my wounds. Jesus always picks me up and takes me to God, the Innkeeper of Eternity who strengthens me with the power of his Grace and Peace and when rested sends me back into the mainstream of life.
Today the Parable of the Good Samaritan will etch it’s words into the ongoing autobiography of your life. Do not live your life in the fear of it's dangers simply believe the Parable of the Good Samaritan and its Author.
God is... ... ...The Innkeeper!
Gary