Word for the day by Christian Education Forum
Witnessing of the People of God
Rev. Sam T. Panicker
Carmel MTC, Boston,
MA
34 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 meaning of friendship or neighborhood is explained in the parable of The Good Samaritan. This parable is found only in the Gospel according to Luke. Jesus conveys the secrets of the kingdom mysteries in parables. He permits his audience to raise questions and issues. A question was asked by an attorney, "WHO IS MY NEIGHBOR?" For a Jew, ones neighbor should be another Jew - a very closed perspective of time and space. Jesus transcends their parochial attitude by this parable.
The way towards Jericho from Jerusalem was known as the "bloody and dangerous path". The lone traveler had to go through that path due to an emergency. But the Levites and priests were the regular travelers as of their profession. However, they left the wounded and went on the other side. Ignoring the needy, they continued their ritualistic life as usual.
The situation demands a prompt action
The priest and Levite thought about what would happen to them if they helped him. They were so conscious about the structures and the titles that define their job. The context defines the task, as Jesus did. Jesus fulfilled the law by practicing it. Jesus chose the road which was less traveled by his forerunners. The practice and methodology of mission derives from the contextual needs and challenges. So the place and the time where we are is very pertinent. In contemporary settings also many are wounded by war, discrimination, financial pressures and emotional issues.
Sensitive about co-travelers
The Good Samaritan was a practical one, who does things in an extraordinary format. He though, if he could not do something at this time what would happen to the wounded man? He considers the other in his perspective and that works for his redemption. The context demands his involvement, energy, resources, time and talents. After getting down from his cart, the wounded traveler was treated with respect and love. His body was cleansed by oil and wine. Oil and wine symbolizes the healing process. He was very concerned about the man's future too, thus he also mentioned about the reimbursement when he comes back.
Good neighbor is the one who shows mercy and reverence of life
The harmful structures that caused them to hurt and wound are still there. The one who raised the question about identifying his neighbor was again to face the question from Jesus. The attorney was very conservative to pronounce even the word "Samaritan". Eventually Jesus told him,"go and do likewise". The eternal life and discipleship are well connected. Not only knowing the law but doing it decides our eternity. "Do this and you will live".
The meaning of friendship or neighborhood is explained in the parable of The Good Samaritan. This parable is found only in the Gospel according to Luke. Jesus conveys the secrets of the kingdom mysteries in parables. He permits his audience to raise questions and issues. A question was asked by an attorney, "WHO IS MY NEIGHBOR?" For a Jew, ones neighbor should be another Jew - a very closed perspective of time and space. Jesus transcends their parochial attitude by this parable.
The way towards Jericho from Jerusalem was known as the "bloody and dangerous path". The lone traveler had to go through that path due to an emergency. But the Levites and priests were the regular travelers as of their profession. However, they left the wounded and went on the other side. Ignoring the needy, they continued their ritualistic life as usual.
The situation demands a prompt action
The priest and Levite thought about what would happen to them if they helped him. They were so conscious about the structures and the titles that define their job. The context defines the task, as Jesus did. Jesus fulfilled the law by practicing it. Jesus chose the road which was less traveled by his forerunners. The practice and methodology of mission derives from the contextual needs and challenges. So the place and the time where we are is very pertinent. In contemporary settings also many are wounded by war, discrimination, financial pressures and emotional issues.
Sensitive about co-travelers
The Good Samaritan was a practical one, who does things in an extraordinary format. He though, if he could not do something at this time what would happen to the wounded man? He considers the other in his perspective and that works for his redemption. The context demands his involvement, energy, resources, time and talents. After getting down from his cart, the wounded traveler was treated with respect and love. His body was cleansed by oil and wine. Oil and wine symbolizes the healing process. He was very concerned about the man's future too, thus he also mentioned about the reimbursement when he comes back.
Good neighbor is the one who shows mercy and reverence of life
The harmful structures that caused them to hurt and wound are still there. The one who raised the question about identifying his neighbor was again to face the question from Jesus. The attorney was very conservative to pronounce even the word "Samaritan". Eventually Jesus told him,"go and do likewise". The eternal life and discipleship are well connected. Not only knowing the law but doing it decides our eternity. "Do this and you will live".
PRAYER
Our heavenly
father, help us to discern the challenges in our daily journeys. Give
us the courage to recognize fellow travelers and their needs in a
competitive environment. Share your strength to be with the wounded
and unwanted so that we may be a healing presence.
THOUGHT
FOR THE DAY:
Our faithful response to the context designs our eternity and heavenly reward.
Our faithful response to the context designs our eternity and heavenly reward.