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The Parables

The Parables #33

The Good Samaritan – Part 3

Luke 10:25-37.

1. The path of Christ-rejection and disobedience to God is a dangerous road to travel. The road to Jericho was a robbers’ stronghold! A notoriously dangerous place. Many places where the robber can hide on the 15 miles of the roadway!

The word “fell” carries the meaning of being encompassed, like fish in a net. There was, history tells us, a place on the road called “bloods” because of the bloodshed that regularly was shed there. How many sorrows and grief man meets on the road of life! “Their sorrows shall be multiplied that hasten after another god,” Psa 16:4

“Many sorrows shall be to the wicked: but he that trusteth in the LORD, mercy shall compass him about,” Ps 32:10

“Evil shall slay the wicked: and they that hate the righteous shall be desolate,” Ps 34:21.

“Evil pursueth sinners: but to the righteous good shall be repayed,” Proverbs 13:21.

“Woe unto the wicked! it shall be ill with him: for the reward of his hands shall be given him,” Isaiah 3:11.

“There is no peace, saith my God, to the wicked.” Isaiah 57:21.

“For the love of money is the root of all evil: which while some coveted after, they have erred from the faith, and pierced themselves through with many sorrows,” 1 Tim 6:10.

The Parables #32

The Good Samaritan – Part 2

Luke 10:25-37.

“And Jesus answering said, A certain man went down from Jerusalem to Jericho, and fell among thieves, which stripped him of his raiment, and wounded him, and departed, leaving him half dead,” Luke 10:30.

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We noted at the close of our last study that the lawyer the man was determined to yet get one over on the Saviour. “But he, willing to justify himself, said unto Jesus, And who is my neighbour?” Verse 29. He was most anxious to show his friends that he still had the better of the Saviour in this discussion!

1. Oh how man sacrifice their souls on the altar of public esteem! I mean by that, that there many people who put impressing their friends well before the “well done of God”!! “Nevertheless among the chief rulers also many believed on him; but because of the Pharisees they did not confess him, lest they should be put out of the synagogue: for they loved the praise of men more than the praise of God,” John 12:42-43.
I think that he realised that he had been ‘wrong-footed’ by the Saviour and he now attempted to hide the confusion he was in. But he only digs the hole deeper for himself for the Saviour’s answer is one of glorious gospel truth!
Man cannot ‘outsmart’ God! Young people, learn that well.

2. The story the Saviour tells was an actual occurrence. This really took place. “A certain man.” Perhaps some listening knew of the incident!

3. It pictures for us mankind’s journey downward. It is a downard road! Jerusalem is a picture of where men dwelt before he sinned. “Beautiful for situation, the joy of the whole earth, is mount Zion, on the sides of the north, the city of the great King,” Psa 48:2.
Jericho is the city which pictures the destination of sinful man! “Cursed be the man before the LORD, that riseth up and buildeth this city Jericho,” Joshua 6:26.

It was a city under God’s judgment. That is where sinful man is travelling to! “For as many as are of the works of the law are under the curse: for it is written, Cursed is every one that continueth not in all things which are written in the book of the law to do them,” Gal 3:10. Men do not like being told that!

The Parables #31

The Good Samaritan – Part 1

Luke 10:25-37.

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1. The Lord Jesus is here responding to the questions of a lawyer. He is a man considered to be an expert in the Law of God, the Mosaic Law.
The use of the word “certain” indicates the authenticity, the “factualness” of this record!

2. The man was there to test the Saviour. That is what the word “tempt” means. He asks a very vital question. It goes to the very heart of true religion and raises the matter that all men should consider. “Master, what shall I do to inherit eternal life?” Verse 25.
This man was not sincere or genuine but was there to try and trip the Saviour up.

3. Note the word “stood”. He had doubtless been sitting listening to the Saviour preach. But he was not benefitted by the Saviour’s words. His heart was hostile to the Saviour. That is how it is with almost all hearers!

4. Please note the Saviour’s response. “He said unto him, What is written in the law? how readest thou?” Verse 26.
The Saviour treated him according to what he claimed to be – an expert in the Law. ‘What then does the Law, of which you are a teacher, say?’ The Word of God was ever the Saviour’s authority and rule!

5. The Lord does not go along with the insincere questions of men! He did not dismiss the man but turned his own question upon himself. You cannot ‘fool’ with God! The Lord Jesus knew all about this man. He was aware of the trap he was seeking to set. He, in turn, sets a trap for the man.

6. The man gives a very good answer. “And he answering said, Thou shalt love the Lord thy God with all thy heart, and with all thy soul, and with all thy strength, and with all thy mind; and thy neighbour as thyself,” verse 27. He did indeed know what the Law of God taught!

7. The Saviour in turn gives a gracious and wise response. “And he said unto him, Thou hast answered right: this do, and thou shalt live,” verse 28.
Doubtless, the Saviour’s response frustrated the plan of the man to entrap the Saviour. He was left with an answer which he himself had provided. He could not fault the Saviour. Oh how wise is the Lord!