Christian maturity is a lifelong journey for all Christ’s followers. The parable of the Good Samaritan used by Jesus is a widely popular story because of the good principles and valuable lessons in it. It is also an illustration to use when the topic is about Christian maturity.
There are characteristics that we can learn from the story.
1. Unselfish
Besides the Samaritan, there are other main characters in the parable, the Priest, and the Levite. When the Priest and the Levite saw the man who was beaten and half-dead on the road, they both passed by and they did nothing (verses 31-32). But the Samaritan, who was also passing by, took pity on him and helped him. He bandaged his wounds, performed “first aide” such as pouring oil and wine and then brought him to an inn (verses 33-34).
The Samaritan can also pass by and do nothing but he chose to help the man. He demonstrated what is called unselfish action. We can also do to our “neighbors” what the Good Samaritan did. Be unselfish.
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2. Forgiving
The issue of hatred and discrimination have been the problems during Biblical times. Obviously, they are still problems in our modern world. Scholars believe that the man who was robbed and beaten was a Jew. History tells us that Jews and Samaritans hated each other. They considered each other enemies for hundreds of years. Since the context of the story is all about “neighbor,” Jesus was definitely telling that Jews and Samaritans are neighbors.
A Samaritan has all the reasons not to love a Jew. But in this parable, the Samaritan showed love and forgiveness to his “neighbor.” who is a Jew.
3. Generous
Another characteristic that is obvious in the story is the generosity of the Good Samaritan. He brought the man to the inn, paid the innkeeper, and promised to pay more, if necessary, when he returns (verse 35). Being generous seems hard, especially when there is no indication of any “return” to the giver. The Good Samaritan generously gave without expecting something in return. It is a characteristic that exemplifies a high level of maturity.
