What does the story of the Good Samaritan really mean?
From the writings of the Rev. Billy Graham
Q: What does the story of the Good Samaritan really mean? – G.S.
A: A man had been beaten and robbed and left at the side of the road. Upstanding men journeying along that road passed him by – ignored him. Then came the Samaritan.
The Samaritan was despised by both Jews and Gentiles, but when he saw the dying man, he was filled with compassion. He bent down and bandaged the man’s wounds, pouring on oil and wine, and then set him on his own animal, brought him to an inn, took care of him, saved his life, and left money to sustain him until he could travel. Here was a man who gave his resources and his time for another. He even used his own “ambulance” to transport the wounded man, taking him to what was probably the first Samaritan Hospital.
Luke is the only Biblical writer to record this remarkable story. Because he was a physician, Luke emphasized how the Samaritan cared for the man’s wounds. Pouring on oil speaks of the Holy Spirit and reminds us that Jesus was anointed with oil before His own death. Wine – the most potent of ancient antiseptics – speaks of the blood of Christ, which cleanses from sin. What a picture this is of the Savior who came to this dying world – the land of the walking dead – with the infectious disease of sin. He didn’t just pass by. Christ stooped down in compassion and carried our sins to the cross. He paid the price to redeem us and will lift us up to eternal life with Him someday.
What a wonderful opportunity we have to help others find the Savior and encourage them in living for the Lord. Christ gave His all for us as an example of how we should live.
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(This column is based on the words and writings of the late Rev. Billy Graham.)
©2024 Billy Graham Literary Trust. Distributed by Tribune Content Agency, LLC.
(c)2024 BILLY GRAHAM DISTRIBUTED BY TRIBUNE MEDIA SERVICES, INC.
