amaritan outcast the hero of his story, the arrogant questioner now had to answer which of these three men was a neighbour to the wounded man. He answered, ‘The one who had mercy on him’—without mentioning the word Samaritan. Jesus looked him in the eye and said, ‘Go and do likewise!’
What was Jesus’ point? Does it mean the man would get eternal life if he helped strangers in need? Hardly! Jesus was challenging the man with the demands of his kingdom. His disciples would have no limits when it came to loving people (Matthew 5:43–48).
The Samaritan had unexpectedly chosen to care for a Jewish man on the road—something which would hardly be reciprocated. He stopped to help his enemy! The Jews had ridiculed his community for centuries; yet he chose to love unconditionally. This is the Parable of the Good and Gracious Enemy!
And has not Jesus himself done that for the world? Even though in agony on the cross, he pleaded, ‘Father, forgive them, for they do not know what they are doing’. Paul said that God loved and reconciled us while we were his enemies (Rom 5:10). The way of life is the way of love. This love is freely poured into our lives by the Holy Spirit (Rom 5:5). And way of life without limits, eternal life, is the way of love without limits.
“I forgive,” said Gladys Staines with a broken heart but clear and gentle voice after her husband, Australian missionary Graham Staines and their two sons, were burnt to death in Odisha in January 1999 by those opposed to their faith.
Who is God asking you to forgive, love and serve? Someone who has hurt you badly—a relative, family member, colleague, or someone in your church. Kingdom people get to love even their enemies.
Let’s go and do likewise!