Good Samaritan
(11/12/07)

One of the most well-known parables from the Word of God is of the “Good Samaritan.” This parable is found in the book of Luke.

Luke 10:30-37 In reply Jesus said: "A man was going down from Jerusalem to Jericho, when he fell into the hands of robbers. They stripped him of his clothes, beat him and went away, leaving him half dead. 31A priest happened to be going down the same road, and when he saw the man, he passed by on the other side. 32So too, a Levite, when he came to the place and saw him, passed by on the other side. 33But a Samaritan, as he traveled, came where the man was; and when he saw him, he took pity on him. 34He went to him and bandaged his wounds, pouring on oil and wine. Then he put the man on his own donkey, took him to an inn and took care of him. 35The next day he took out two silver coins and gave them to the innkeeper. 'Look after him,' he said, 'and when I return, I will reimburse you for any extra expense you may have.' 36"Which of these three do you think was a neighbor to the man who fell into the hands of robbers?" 37The expert in the law replied, "The one who had mercy on him." Jesus told him, "Go and do likewise."

One additional thing to this verse to understand is that the Jews did not associate with the Samaritans during these times, so it was even more significant that this Samaritan was so merciful and loving. Therefore, this Samaritan shows us how to live in relation to those we meet and know in the world, even to those who had not considered you as being worthy of them. For with those who have rejected you, whom you still reach out to, the true grace and love of God is demonstrated among man.

The following components, which derive from the examples of this man as well as Yeshua (Jesus) Christ Himself, truly provide us an opportunity to share God’s love as true witnesses to the savior. When we take advantage of these, we allow God to elevate us to greater levels of trust and responsibility.

Opportunity – More often than we know it, we are given opportunities to help others. In fact, God actually blesses us so that we can be a blessing. It is our testimonies that encourage the faith of others. Our experience can be a blessing to another that is getting ready to go down the same path that we had chosen. Even our material blessings provide the opportunity to help others which in return blesses us for the Word says that when we provide seed to the sower, God will make us rich in every way so that we can be generous in every occasion. (2 Cor. 9:9-11). If we yet open our eyes, we will find numerous opportunities to help another.


Ability – God actually will set up opportunities that we have the ability to help with. Nearly every man and woman used by God felt that they didn’t have what it took for them to do what God called them to do. But, if God gives you the opportunity to help someone, He will give you the ability. Every situation that needs help may not exactly be the situation God is using as your opportunity for elevation, yet every opportunity that God gives you, in which He has already blessed you with the ability to do, should be utilized.


Action – These opportunities are utilized by taking action on these opportunities. God is considered the Father, and as a father, He wants to see His children advance. Because of this, God often provides us with tests, in the form of opportunities to help others and show His values to the world, in order to give us the chance to be elevated. Yet, without action on our part, we forfeit the reward.

Therefore, let us be kind and helpful to all that we meet, showing the love and mercy of God at every opportunity. Opportunity + Ability + Action = Advancement/Elevation. Give and it shall be given, pressed down, shaken together, and running over. (Luke 6:38). Ministry is service.

Peace be unto you,

Kelvin