Many of us are familiar with the story of the Good Samaritan. In this story there was a man traveling on a dangerous section of road where thieves often prowled. He was robbed, beaten, stripped of his clothes and left half dead. The first man that passed by the beaten man was a priest and he crossed to the other side of the road and went on his way. Perhaps because touching a bloody or dead body was considered “unclean”. The second man was a Levite, considered to be from an elite background. He also crossed to the other side of the road and went on his way. The third man was a Samaritan. In that day, Samaritans were considered to be of low society. The Samaritan took pity and stopped to help the beaten man. He bandaged his wounds and took him to the inn and cared for him. The next day the Samaritan paid the Innkeeper to continue to care for the beaten man and promised to reimburse him upon his return for any additional expense and for his troubles.
The Samaritan acted as a true neighbor; meeting the man in need right where he was and extending a helping hand. The Samaritan took pity and exercised compassion on someone others had written off for dead. He claimed him as his own by paying for all present and future debts. He sees beyond the cultural divide and shows love and mercy. He sacrificed his time, money and supplies to care for someone outside of his people group. He was in it for more than a quick fix. He promised to return and reward the Innkeeper for his work in caring for the beaten man. In this parable we are instructed to “go and do likewise” and to “love thy neighbor”. The priest and the Levite detoured as to not be near the beaten man. They chose the common practice of their people group over love and compassion. The Samaritan’s actions were an example of “loving his neighbor”.
I think we all understand the message to be a “Good Samaritan” but what is the significance of the Innkeeper? The Samaritan left the beaten man for an undisclosed amount of time and at an unknown cost in the care of the Innkeeper to continue the work that was started. The Innkeeper is an extension of the Samaritan and continues the good work. In return, the Samaritan would reward the Innkeeper for caring for the beaten man. As Innkeepers we are charged with being the caretaker, looking after and speaking up for those who are victimized, oppressed, in poverty or battling evil; using our resources to care for those others have written off as dead.
The Samaritan and Innkeeper worked together to care for the needs of the beaten man. At Lima’s Samaritan House we are tasked with both roles. Sometimes, we are called to meet our clients right where they are, in their current condition. A condition many find untouchable or “unclean”. They would rather move to the “other side” as to avoid the situation. We deal with the hard stuff, including bug infestations, mental illness, addiction, effects of abuse and hardened hearts unwilling or unable to do what it takes to support and care for themselves and/or their children. Other times, we are like the Innkeeper and someone in need is brought to us and we are to partner with and continue the work that was already started. Hopefully, leaving them in a better situation when they leave.
Each of us can take on the role of the Samaritan or Innkeeper right where we are in our own lives. It is so simple, “Love Thy Neighbor”, and we are all neighbors – no matter our differences. The Samaritan and the Innkeeper worked together to show love and compassion to the beaten man. We can’t get caught up in what we don’t know or don’t have but rather use what we do know and have to help others. We all have something to give. Individually we can’t help everyone, but working together like the Samaritan and the Innkeeper we can have a greater impact on the hurting in this world.
When you support Samaritan House with your prayers, time, and/or donations you are acting as the Innkeeper and extending the help of the Samaritan to change lives. Thank you for “Loving Thy Neighbor”!
by Chris Kirkendall