Praying Together 13th July 2025

I suspect that the parable of the Good Samaritan is one of the widest known of all.

It takes place on the road from Jerusalem to Jericho, approximately 17 miles long. It was a difficult journey, dropping around 1000 metres through rugged sometimes narrow terrain with lots of possible hiding places for bandits and robbers. It has history – David, Joshua and others in the OT are travellers upon it, but it was also a winter resort for rulers and rich people.

We don’t know why the man was travelling – but we do know he was robbed, badly beaten and left for dead – his body wasn’t even hidden, just left in the middle of the road so that people would have to step over it to get past.

The Priest does nothing – he knows the law, and doesn’t want to be tainted by touching a person who might be dead, which would involve him in a prolonged period of cleansing. He justifies his inaction on the basis that he wouldn’t be able to do his job properly. There’s a Levite coming along – he’s not as important as the Priest. He will be better equipped to help.

The Levite doesn’t do anything either. He says it’s not his job and anyway the traveller deserves what he got. Shouldn’t have been walking alone. Anyway, it could be a trap to get him to stop. There will be plenty of others who will help.

These are examples of what is called the ‘Bystander Effect’ – people are reluctant to help if they think there are others who are present.

The Samaritan – half Jew and half Gentile, mutually estranged and opposed to both. But he sees a need, and is moved in compassion to do something about it, despite the potential consequences and cost to himself.

The innkeeper takes responsibility for sanctuary, but only when assured of payment.

We know that Jesus’ lesson is about unconditional service of our neighbours, whoever they might be.

But what if it was set today?

A man and his young family, threatened by his political or religious beliefs, try to escape persecution at home. On his journey, they face violence and hardship. When they get within sight of safety, they are rejected by both government and existing population and sent to a country who accepts payment with no guarantee of ongoing support. Just asking…