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Across the Pastor’s Desk by Todd Walsh

The parable of the Good Samaritan is an amazing story. It reveals the nature and purpose of the life of Jesus. It also speaks of the life God gives to followers of Jesus. The parable is worth sharing in its entirety from Luke 10, and not much commentary needs to follow it.

“Just then a lawyer stood up to test Jesus. ‘Teacher,’ he said, ‘what must I do to inherit eternal life?’ He said to him, ‘What is written in the law? What do you read there?’ He answered, ‘You shall love the Lord your God with all your heart, and with all your soul, and with all your strength, and with all your mind; and your neighbor as yourself.’ And he said to him, ‘You have given the right answer; do this, and you will live.’

But wanting to justify himself, he asked Jesus, ‘And who is my neighbor?’ Jesus replied, ‘A man was going down from Jerusalem to Jericho, and fell into the hands of robbers, who stripped him, beat him, and went away, leaving him half dead. Now by chance a priest was going down that road; and when he saw him, he passed by on the other side. So likewise a Levite, when he came to the place and saw him, passed by on the other side. But a Samaritan while traveling came near him; and when he saw him, he was moved with pity. He went to him and bandaged his wounds, having poured oil and wine on them. Then he put him on his own animal, brought him to an inn, and took care of him. The next day he took out two denarii, gave them to the innkeeper, and said, “Take care of him; and when I come back, I will repay you whatever more you spend.” Which of these three, do you think, was a neighbor to the man who fell into the hands of the robbers?’ He said, ‘The one who showed him mercy.’ Jesus said to him, ‘Go and do likewise.’”

The parable raises a question. Is Christianity a religion of words or action? Yes. The word of God inspires action. Christianity is about changed life. It is about new life. It is about mercy being central to who we are and how we relate to everyone. The priest and the Levite knew the Bible said they must stay away from blood and the dead, even the “half dead.” They used the Bible to make excuses for doing nothing. Samaritans were outcasts in their time, but this Samaritan was in with how God works and how we are to live. Mercy is how God related to us. Mercy is the Christian way of life.

“Love God and love your neighbor.” It is a simple biblical phrase. It is a roadmap to new life. It is an invitation to the heart of the God who sent Jesus to give his life to bring life.

My commentary on this parable is spare on words. Its brevity is a reminder that the actions of Christians speak volumes as a living commentary on the mercy of God.

Todd Walsh is director of spiritual care services at Thorne Crest Senior Living Community in Albert Lea.