In ancient times, in the period 887-859 BC. e., in the northern part of Judea, the state of Samaria was located and flourished. It can be assumed that the Samaritan is a resident of this country. But the word "Samaritan" has another meaning. In the American dictionary, it is interpreted as "a person who selflessly helps others." In English, this expression has been used since the 17th century, the reason for this was biblical parables.
The Story of the Samaritan
One of the parables tells that Jesus Christ, even during his life on earth, called people to work with him, saving their neighbors. He claimed that such people would later inherit his heavenly home. One of the priests, wanting to test Jesus, asked: “How can one earn eternal life, and who is our neighbor?” To his question, Jesus told a parable.
The traveler, following from Jerusalem, met with robbers who robbed him, beat him and left him half-dead to die on the road. The clergyman, who happened to be nearby, passed him indifferently. So did the Levite walking by. The third passer-by, seeing the man lying ona man beaten by robbers came up to him.
He was a Good Samaritan. He washed the victim's wounds with wine and oil and bandaged them. He put it on the donkey, spreading his raincoat, took him to the hotel. A passer-by left him there in the care of the owner.
This man paid for both accommodation and nursing. At the end of the story, Jesus asked, “Which of the three do you think was your neighbor?” The clergyman replied that the neighbor, of course, was the third passerby. Jesus advised him to do as the Samaritan did.
Love your neighbor…
The priest and the Levite, who did not help the victim, considered themselves righteous. In fact, they treated poor and unfortunate people with condescension, did not consider them neighbors. There was no love for people in their hearts. And the biblical commandment says: “Love your neighbor as yourself, and do to him as you would like them to do to you.”
The case described shows that the Samaritan is the embodiment of kindness and love for man. He was not afraid that the robbers might return and brutally deal with him. He behaved with dignity. And, as he could, he helped the victim. Unfortunately, in our life there are many cases when people indifferently pass by a person who needs emergency help. Often mistaken for a drunk lying on the sidewalk: and he may have a heart attack. Timely medication could save his life.
Don't pass by
Callousness and indifference allow you to pass by a person in need of help and support. What is happening around us today shows that many do not read the Bible. Therefore, they do not imagine who he is - the Good Samaritan, the parable of which was told by Jesus.
Followers of Christ in Orthodoxy and representatives of other religions call humanity to peace and goodness. They argue, based on the Bible, that a person who does good will have eternal life in the kingdom of heaven. Everyone understands these words in their own way and relates to them differently. But the call to do good inherent in them is a driving factor in social development. There are many legends, true stories and parables on this topic. Samaritan is a character from one of them.
Witnesses of history
Currently in Israel, on the territory of the former Samaria, there are ruins left, reminiscent of the splendor and we alth of the city where the good Samaritan lived. Numerous pilgrims and tourists who visited the Promised Land are reminded of the biblical commandment: "He who does good to others becomes spiritually richer and stronger himself." The Samaritan is a kind, sympathetic person. His heart is filled with love and mercy. He provides selfless help to people in need.
