by William J. Stewart
As we consider this parable spoken by our Lord, there are many lessons which one might come away with. Certainly the parable of the Good Samaritan teaches us of the goodness of compassion and hospitality. We are reminded of the evils of prejudice and of the fact that we should love all men, even our enemies. Jesus gave a complete response to the question which prompted the parable in the first place, “Who is my neighbor?” However, let us look today at the ‘good Samaritan’ as a type of Christ.
The Coming of the Good Samaritan
“But a certain Samaritan, as he journeyed, came where he was…” (Luke 10:33)
Both the priest and Levite, before even reaching the man passed by on the other side of the road. They were uninterested and unwilling to help. However, as the Samaritan came to the man who had fallen among thieves, he “…came where he was…”
Note concerning our Lord, He has not passed by on the other side, but has truly come to man’s aid “…where he was…”
- He came to our humanity and took it upon Himself (John 1:14; Philippians 2:6-8)
- He came to our sorrows and bore them for us (Isaiah 53:3-5)
- He came to our temptations and endured them (Hebrews 4:15; Matthew 4:1-11)
- He came to our curse and removed it (Galatians 3:13; Ephesians 2:15)
- He came to our sins and bore them in His own flesh (2 Corinthians 5:21; 1 Peter 2:24)
- He came to our death and made us alive again (Ephesians 2:1)
The Compassion of the Good Samaritan
“…and when he saw him, he had compassion on him” (Luke 10:33)
The sight of a man stripped of his clothing, having been wounded and left for dead touched this traveller. Though he did not know him, his tenderness of heart would not allow him to pass by as the priest and the Levite.
No greater compassion has been shown than that of Jesus for us. Mark records, “…Jesus, when He came out, saw a great multitude and was moved with compassion for them, because they were like sheep not having a shepherd. So He began to teach them many things” (Mark 6:34). God’s love for man would not allow Him to leave man dead in sin, but rather He “…demonstrated His own love toward us, in that while we were still sinners, Christ died for us” (Romans 5:8). Jesus Himself said, “Greater love has no one than this, than to lay down one’s life for his friends. You are My friends if you do whatever I command you” (John 15:13-14).
The Care of the Good Samaritan
His compassion for the man wounded and left for dead motivated him to tend to the man’s needs. Note if you will:
- “…he went to him…” He did not continue into town and then send another back for the man. He went to him himself. Likewise, our Lord did not send another, but served us Himself.
- “…and bandaged his wounds…” As the man had been left for dead, it was likely that his wounds were serious. The Samaritan’s immediate reaction—provide relief from the wounds. Jesus, seeing the wounds of His creation provided the means of relief from the same (Isaiah 53:5).
- “…and he set him on his own animal…” A seat of prominence was given to the wounded man. The Lord has also provided a seat of prominence for those who receive His tender care (Ephesians 2:6).
- “…brought him to an inn…” The Samaritan sought out a place where the man could have rest. Jesus came, that we might have rest (Hebrews 4:1ff; Matthew 11:28).
- “…took care of him…” He did not simply lay the man down on a bed and then leave him. He stayed up with him, he tended to his needs. The Lord has not left us to fend for ourselves. Peter says to cast “…all your cares upon Him, for He cares for you” (1 Peter 5:7).
- “…took out two denarii…” It came time for the Samaritan to continue on his journey, however, before doing so, he left provisions for the wounded man. The Lord has richly supplied His elect, for He has “…richly blessed us with every spiritual blessing in the heavenly places in Christ” (Ephesians 1:3). And by inspiration of the Holy Spirit, Paul penned, “…my God shall supply all your need according to His riches in glory by Christ Jesus” (Philippians 4:19).
What a wonderful type of Christ we find in the good Samaritan. As the man in Jesus’ parable extended great kindness, the Lord has done likewise for us. He came near to help us when we were helpless. He had compassion upon those who had despised Him. He bestowed upon us the greatest care possible, having healed us and made us whole.
