This Parable is commonly applied to allegorical interpretations; for example: The traveler represents man, who has left the Heavenly City (Jerusalem) for the Worldly city (Jericho). The robbers are representative of the Devil and sin, who leave a man dying in sin. The Priest and the Levite refer to the Law and its sacrifices, which are unable to help. But the Good Samaritan is Jesus, who provides the help needed. The wine represents the blood of Christ; the oil, the atoning of the Holy Spirit. The Inn is the Church, the Inn keeper representative of the apostles; the two coins representing baptism and the Lord's Supper.
And as interesting as such interpretation my be, it is really not what Jesus is teaching in this parable. In this lesson we shall review the setting of the Parable and then offer some lessons that I believe are more in keeping with what Jesus' original purpose is in telling it. For instance "Who is my neighbor"
I pray that this sermon will help us all understand the challenge to a higher standard of Love. Higher in that the definition of "neighbor" is more inclusive, and higher in that the definition of "compassion" is greater.
Michael Reed, Minister
And as interesting as such interpretation my be, it is really not what Jesus is teaching in this parable. In this lesson we shall review the setting of the Parable and then offer some lessons that I believe are more in keeping with what Jesus' original purpose is in telling it. For instance "Who is my neighbor"
I pray that this sermon will help us all understand the challenge to a higher standard of Love. Higher in that the definition of "neighbor" is more inclusive, and higher in that the definition of "compassion" is greater.
Michael Reed, Minister
