The New Way

 

I want to spend just a few minutes sorting out the characters in this parable.

 

The priest.   The priest was probably on his way to do ministry.   We don't know why he didn't stop, but assume he was too busy with his own plans.

 

I was leading a Bible study for a group of young mothers when I was living in Denver.  We usually had 10-12 ladies and 15-20 kiddos under school age.  We met weekly on Tuesday mornings at my home. 

 

One Tuesday morning a couple of hours before the group, one of the young mothers called and was crying that she needed to go to the doctor because of an infection.  Her husband had already left for work and she couldn't reach him.  She had a newborn baby and a very energetic 2-year-old that would need care while she was at the doctors.  At first, I told her I couldn't help her and then God reminded me of this story that Jesus told.

 

I called Denise back and told her that I had cancelled the Bible study and was free to take her to the doctor and help with the two babies.  I ministered to her and her babies until her husband got home that afternoon.  

 

But was that a wise decision – since I had to desert 10-12 other ladies who were planning on coming?   All I know is that's the way God led me, and I know Denise really needed my help.  

 

The Levite:  The Levite was a descendant of the Tribe of Levi.  They were prohibited from being priests.  Instead they oversaw everything at the temple – the music, the property maintenance, the audio and visual equipment (only kidding).  We would probably call them Administrative Pastors or Facilities Managers.   He, too, was too busy to be bothered by a single person's needs.

 

The Samaritan:   We've already talked about the Jew's hatred for the Samaritans because of their intermingled race and contaminated belief system. 

 

Why do you think Jesus picked these 3 characters?