Dynamics of the Word

Updated: 14 Feb 2010.

During the days when my ol’ youth minister was still around, he and I often discussed about the Bible and our faith, especially when we were going out in a small group or were alone (no interruptions, thus the best time for deep conversations).

Once when he was driving with a few of us in it, we came to the topic about the saints in history and he mentioned a particular saint (Augustine if I am not mistaken; I cannot be too sure, sorry Saint ___ ^^’) and one of his interpretation to a certain parable. That talk really made an imprint on me about the Word of God and opened my mind to the different, yet acceptable ways of viewing the Bible. Not that I did not know already that one should not take the Word in its literal meaning only, but…read on then you will know what I mean.

I am sure many of us are familiar about the parable of the Good Samaritan (Luke 10:25-37) and its teaching about a real neighbour is someone who you can rely on in times of need, not merely the dude next door. How a neighbour is not limited to a certain group of people but includes everyone around you.

After that conversation with Adrian (my former Y.M.) and bit more study, this is another way of how I view the parable now. I wonder how many of us could actually view this parable in a different perspective? =D

The robbed man represents those who exhausted everything, stripped off our freedom and privilege of being in God’s presence by sin, beaten down by the world, and then left to our doom of death though we are physically alive.

The priest and the Levite represent those who, not only hold a political, religious or high social standing, but are also kin to us (same race or someone we are comfortable with; note that the man in the parable should be thought of as a Jew due to its setting and the people mentioned).

The Samaritan, who has Jewish and Gentile blood; therefore a Jew yet not a Jew, represents Jesus, who was of human and divine; of this world and not of this world.

The inn represents the church, to which Jesus leaves to care for those He saved.

The 2 coins represents the 2 great Sacraments: Baptism and the Eucharist.

Verse 35 shows much God truly cares for each of us, that “whatever you spent on him, I will repay when I come back.” To me, this is a reference to us who play a part as those who seek and save; and He will reward us accordingly in Heaven (see Luke 6:38). We as believers have the responsibility of caring for those whom He has saved. The coming back of the Samaritan may also have been an allusion to Jesus’ second coming.

So how is this anything related to being a neighbour to all? Before that, allow me to explain in detail the more known and accepted interpretation of the passage.

Firstly, when Jesus told the parable to the teacher of Law, He is trying to break the walls of tribal exclusivity, making no distinction between Jews and the rest of the world. Being a neighbour extends to even those whom we do not like (Luke 6:27-35).

Perhaps a less obvious point, but an important one nonetheless, is to place the duty to a neighbour above one’s customs and pride. We are called to be neighbours to all whatever our rank in society is (Luke 11:39-42; 13:14-16; 14:1-5).

And now, to address the message when the parable is viewed as stated above.

Have you ever given thought that Jesus used the word “neighbour” and not the more intimate “family” or “friends”? To me, this is significant. Early Christians (St Paul for example) call each other brothers and sisters, signifying their oneness in the family of God. A neighbour thus, would imply to those who do not (yet) belong in the family but whom the majority of us meet everyday – the non-believers.

As such, we are to love one another – not only our brothers and sisters in Christ, but also the rest who do not belong in the family – as ourselves. Remember at the time Jesus gave up His life, He did not merely sacrifice Himself for His disciples or His family, but for the world: those who did not believe and those who would later believe.

So then, when looking at the parable this way, it shows the outcome when we act as a neighbour according to the passage. The people around would naturally be attracted to us, as well as to the peace and joy within us. And we, with the Spirit of Jesus – the Holy Spirit – who dwells in us, will witness to them and lead them to the Father, who then tend to their needs as His own children.

Looking back, I really thank the Lord that He had sent Adrian in my life to nurture me in my faith journey to get closer to Him. Now, is God’s word awesome or what? =)

PS: talking about this subject, I am looking for people are truly interested and whom I can share and discuss about the Word and my faith – not exactly easy to find, seeing as most people are afraid to mention about the word “Lord” and “Jesus” even amongst their own brothers and sisters in Christ.

RFG always.