The Truth is the Light
By Rev. Dr. Charles R. Watkins, Jr., Senior Columnist
Luke 10:36 asks, “Which of these three, do you think, was a neighbor to the man who fell into the hands of the robbers?” Many of us have found ourselves, at one time or another, truly down and out. We have found ourselves at our wits end financially, physically, and spiritually as well. My grandfather used to talk about a time when he was down so low that the gutter looked like a magnificent mountain. We all go through tough times now and then. Some may have suffered so long they are beginning to feel like a poster child for pain.
Our text today, about a man suffering, is one of the most familiar parables of the Bible. The text is arguably the most descriptive example of our challenge to do unto others as we would have them do unto us.
In Luke 10, a certain lawyer challenged Jesus’ knowledge of religious law by asking, “Teacher…what must I do to inherit eternal life?” Jesus answered, “You shall love the Lord your God with all your heart, and with all your soul, and with all your strength, and with all your mind; and your neighbor as yourself.” The lawyer then wanted to know, “Who is my neighbor?” Jesus answered the lawyer with a parable from the perspective of three men: a priest, Levite, and Samaritan.
We may hear the story and think it is not difficult to decide which of the three Jesus wants us to be. However, let us consider instead that we are the helpless victim. Jesus does not explore the emotions of or give a voice to the man who fell among thieves. Yet, we somehow surmise from our own experience what it must have been like to be in his shoes.
Jesus painted the victim in critical condition—down and out—and left in a desperate situation, in need of help. Three travelers would soon pass by. The first traveler, a priest, was probably adorned in the fine robes of his calling and saw the victim. Not wanting to get involved and to avoid contact, he crossed the street. The next traveler, a Levite, was chosen by God to perform the highest spiritual service. He actually went and looked at the poor man lying in the street and then crossed to the other side. The third traveler,identified as the Good Samaritan, ignored the ramifications to his own reputation and allowed his own compassion to take over. He took charge of the situation and made a difference. He saw the need and filled it.
God examines the sincerity of every Christian to see if we have lived up to His Word and His witness. Anybody can carry a big Bible and wear a gold cross! Anyone can say, “amen” and “praise the Lord;” however, it takes a real Christian to do good work. God knows the difference.
The Rev. Dr. Charles R. Watkins, Jr., is the pastor of Pine Grove AME Church in Columbia, South Carolina.
