‘The Parable of the Good Samaritan.’

This parable told by Jesus, and found Luke’s Gospel, has been described as “one of the Gospel’s most beautiful parables.” Of course, we all know it by its popular title as mentioned above. But if I could venture to be so bold, I’d like to offer another title. Perhaps we should call it, ‘A Parable for All Those Who Are Seeking to Justify Themselves Before God.’

I suggest this because of what we learn in Luke 10:29.

We discover here what it was that initially triggered the telling of this beloved story to an inquisitive and testy Biblical scholar (Luke 10:25-29). This “lawyer” was the whole time seeking to “justify himself” before Jesus. That is, he was essentially attempting to save himself, to commend himself before God’s perfect standard of righteousness, and to earn his way into “eternal life” (v. 25).

Our Lord’s reply to this question, as we shall see, is really shocking when you think about it. The Savior tells a story. But this story, far from being just a simple (though emotionally charged!) illustration, proves to be a death blow to any attempt at self-salvation.

This coming Sunday, we will take a fresh look at this amazing parable together. And I hope that you will prayerfully reflect upon it as we prepare to gather before our great King on Sunday.