Friday – Luke 10:25-37
At first glance, the parable of the Good Samaritan might not seem to have anything to do with money; however, money does play a significant role in the story. Former Prime Minister of the UK Margaret Thatcher once said, “No one would remember the Good Samaritan if he’d only had good intentions – he had money, too.” It’s not that he had money though, it’s how he used it. There are several notable things in this parable. First, it would be an understatement to say Jews and Samaritans disliked each other. Ignoring that social tension, the Samaritan showed no hesitation in helping the Jewish man. His first action was a willingness to help. Second, his willingness to help paved the way to generosity. He used his own resources to care for the man, dressing his wounds, transporting him, and paying for a place for him to rest. Finally, there was no limit to the Samaritan’s generosity. The passage says the Jewish man in the story was half dead. Not something you recover from in one night. The Samaritan offers to pay for the care and lodging of the man for as long as it takes. Jesus teaches that we should treat all people as our neighbors and use the resources God has given us to help others. How can we have a kingdom mindset? Love God, love people.