Berita NECF Newletters

Chairman's Message

Description: The Misunderstood Samaritan

The Misunderstood Samaritan

by Rev. Eu Hong Seng

 

THE parable of the Good Samaritan found in the Christian Scriptures is short and deceptively simple; it touches deep emotions and common experiences at the same time.

Jesus is tested by a lawyer, who asks, "Teacher, what shall I do to inherit eternal life?" Jesus draws from him the answer that he must love God and his neighbor as himself. The lawyer persists: "And who is my neighbour?" Jesus then relates the story of the Good Samaritan:

"A certain man went down from Jerusalem to Jericho, and fell among thieves, who stripped him of his clothing, wounded him, and departed, leaving him half dead. Now by chance a certain priest came down that road. And when he saw him, he passed by on the other side. Likewise a Levite, when he arrived at the place, came and looked, and passed by on the other side. But a certain Samaritan, as he journeyed, came where he was. And when he saw him, he had compassion. So he went to him and bandaged his wounds, pouring on oil and wine; and he set him on his own animal, brought him to an inn, and took care of him. On the next day, when he departed, he took out two denarii, gave them to the innkeeper, and said to him, 'Take care of him; and whatever more you spend, when I come again, I will repay you."

The passage concludes with another question: "Which of these three do you think was neighbour to him who fell among the thieves?" The lawyer replied, "He who showed mercy on him." To which Jesus responded, "Go and do likewise" (Luke 10: 25-37, NKJV).

The same "who is my neighbour?" question is still being asked today. The answer is obvious and not faith-biased - anybody and everybody who is in need.

There are some insights and lessons about the Good Samaritan in our present context.

Firstly, the Samaritan did what nobody wanted to do. This perhaps lends legitimacy to what some have said about recent events - that if "they" had done their work diligently, "those persons" who needed help would not have gone to the Church. Today it is not difficult to be a Samaritan because society is just too religious and too busy to help the poor and needy. The needy are "outcasts" for the simple reason that today's society has "casted them out" - attention is only paid to them for the purpose of gaining "brownie points" or "political mileage" and of course, when there are photo opportunities.

Secondly, there will always be risks. The Samaritan was on the same road as the man who was robbed. He could have been the victim himself.

In a land where we increasingly value "guarded communities" no one is really safe. Anyone can be waylaid, needing the help of others, even perhaps the help of one of another faith.

Thirdly, the Samaritan used his own money to help the ill-fated man. This is what Christians do; this is how we invest in people. We are happy to do it and we all can be proud of this attitude of the Church.

Fourthly, the Samaritan in Scriptures did not proselytize - he did not give out a tract, did not share his faith, did not ask about the man's religious beliefs, did not set any pre-conditions in order for the man to receive aid. In like manner, the Church has always lent a helping hand to the needy without discriminating. The Church has always carried out her good deeds with no bows and bouquets, or media fanfare. Christians have been a cheerful lot, helping everybody and anybody in need.

Unfortunately, good works and proselytization have almost always been linked because of this lack of understanding of this Scripture. Hence, the modern-day "misunderstood Samaritan."

Fifthly, like the Samaritan's deed, every good work will be scrutinized. Many in Jesus' day looked upon Samaritans with contempt. Even Jesus Himself, in spite of all His good deeds, was referred to in a derogatory manner as "a Samaritan" (John 8: 48).

The JAIS raid on a dinner at a church on 3 Aug 2011 has taught us so well that where there is a Samaritan, there will be no shortage of risks, threats and accusations!

As a result, some have suggested that Christian good works should perhaps be curtailed or its boundaries redefined. On the other hand, others, even some Muslims, have said that the good deeds of the Church are worthy of emulation.

Sixthly, the Samaritan followed up on the subsequent well being of the unfortunate man. If the victim needed more, he was willing to extend more help. This has been the stance of the Church - we are always willing to do more - and often even when resources are limited. Funds raised from the giving of Church folk are not tax exempt, except for a few approved projects.

Lastly, we find that the Samaritan remained nameless - he didn't leave behind a name card, a publicity brochure, or lay claim to any credit. The Samaritan in this parable is often referred to as "good" because he was content with no recognition or reward for his spontaneous compassionate act.

Suffice that our heavenly Father knows and our reward is in heaven. Our philosophy remains the same - maximum passion, minimum publicity!

In spite of all the allegations and unkind remarks thrown at us, let us not forget that Jesus' admonition is unchanged - "Go and do likewise".

For this reason, the Malaysian Church's doors remain open!



[ Back ] [ Print Friendly ]