Something to Talk About
“A certain man was going down from Jerusalem to Jericho; and he fell among robbers, and they stripped him and beat him and went off leaving him half dead.” (Gospel of Luke, chapter 10: 30, of the Holy Bible.)
Note the phrase, “fell among robbers.” The verse does not state the robbers lay in hiding and ambushed the man as he traveled. The eight-mile journey from Jerusalem to Jericho was dangerous. People knew that, so they usually travel in groups for safety. A message to the young people in today’s world…choose your friends wisely. Don’t fall in with the wrong crowd, they may turn against you.
“And by chance a certain priest was going down on that road, and when he saw him, he passed by on the other side.” (Chapter 10, verse 31.)
Note the word, “chance.” This indicates the priest had an opportunity to help, but he chose not to. A priest, a person very familiar with the Hebrew scriptures and performs certain duties in the Jewish synagogue. Perhaps he was in a hurry for a meeting and could not be inconvenienced. Or, he was scheduled to teach students in the law and did not want to be late. Whatever his excuse, he did not help the injured man.
“And like-wise a Levite also, when he came to the place and saw him, passed by on the other side.” (Chapter 10 verse 32.) A Levite, whose genealogy goes as far back as Aaron, the brother of Moses. All Hebrew priests came from this family tree, although not all Levites were priest. Yet, he chose to ignore the injured man. Why? Perhaps he thought out-of-sight, out-of-mind, or he simply did not want to get involved. Maybe he didn’t want to take a risk and be inconvenienced.
“But a certain Samaritan, who was on a journey, came upon him and when he saw him, he felt compassion, and came to him, and bandaged up his wounds, pouring oil and wine on them; and he put him on his own beast, and brought him to an inn, and took care of him.” (Chapter 10 verses 33-34.)
Samaritans were despised by the Jews and the Samaritans knew this. Note the phrase “felt compassion.” This means something is about to be done. The Samaritan utilized his first aid kit. Then place the injured man on his own mode of transportation while he walked. Took him to a hotel of the times and cared for him. Yes, his journey was interrupted and he was inconvenienced.
Folks, I have never met a Jewish priest. I have never met a Levite nor a Samaritan. So, how would this scripture passage read with modern characters? Let’s try.
A pessimist comes walking down the road and sees the injured man. As he passes by on the other side, he says, “you ain’t never going to get out of that ditch.” Some people are always complaining.
Next comes the optimist walking down the road and sees the injured man. Before passing by on the other side, he says, “cheer up, things could be worse.” Some people just ignore reality.
Then comes the lawyer walking down the road and he sees the injured man. As he walks by on the other side he says, “give me a call and I can represent you in court.” Ambition and money motivate some people.
The democrat comes walking down the road and sees the injured man. He too speaks before passing by. “We ought to tax that ditch.” Some people have misplaced priorities.
The republican comes walking down the road, sees the injured man and says, “if you had a job, you wouldn’t be in that ditch.” Some people just want to lay blame.
They all make excuses so as not to be inconvenienced. Finally, the last person comes walking down the road. That person is Jesus Christ. He sees the injured man, climbs down in the ditch beside him, heals his wounds and says, “I have been where you are and I know the way out. Follow me.”
To be a Christian, to follow, “In His Steps,” one will experience interruptions in their daily lives and be inconvenienced. How one responds, just might make a difference in a person’s life.
Walter Allen is a graduate of TCHS and Auburn University. He is retired from the paper industry and is a published author. A former president of the Laurens County Museum Assoc. in Laurens, SC. He lives in Tuscaloosa County, AL.
