But he, willing to justify himself, said unto Jesus, And who is my neighbor? And Jesus answering said, A certain man went down from Jerusalem to Jericho, and fell among thieves, which stripped him of his clothing, and wounded him, and departed, leaving him half dead. And by chance there came down a certain priest that way: and when he saw him, he passed by on the other side. And likewise a Levite, when he was at the place, came and looked on him, and passed by on the other side. But a certain Samaritan, as he journeyed, came where he was: and when he saw him, he had compassion on him, And went to him, and bound up his wounds, pouring in oil and wine, and set him on his own beast, and brought him to an inn, and took care of him. And on the morrow when he departed, he took out two pence, and gave them to the host, and said unto him, Take care of him; and whatever you spend more, when I come again, I will repay you. Which now of these three, think you, was neighbor unto him that fell among the thieves? And he said, He who showed mercy on him. Then said Jesus unto him, Go, and do you likewise.

These words contain the well-known parable of the good Samaritan.

We are taught, first, in this parable — how rare and uncommon true brotherly love is.

We have in this striking description, an exact picture of what is continually going on in the world. Selfishness is the leading characteristic of the great majority of mankind. That cheap charity which costs nothing more than a trifling contribution, is common enough. But that self-sacrificing kindness of heart, which cares not what trouble is entailed, so long as good can be done — is a grace which is rarely met with. There are still thousands in trouble who can find no friend or helper. And there are still hundreds of "priests and Levites" who see them — but "pass by on the other side."

Let us beware of expecting much from the kindness of man. If we do — then we shall certainly be disappointed. The longer we live, the more clearly we shall see that few people care for others — except from self-serving motives — and that unselfish, pure brotherly love, is as scarce as diamonds and rubies! How thankful we ought to be that the Lord Jesus Christ is not like man! His kindness and love are unfailing. He never disappoints any of His friends. Happy are those who have learned to say, "My soul, wait only upon God — my expectation is from Him." (Psalm 62:5.)

We are taught, secondly, in this parable — who they are to whom we should show kindness, and whom we are to love as neighbors.

Now, if these words mean anything, a Christian ought to be ready to show kindness and brotherly love to every one who is in need. Our kindness must not merely extend to our families, and friends, and relations. We must love all men, and be kind to all — whenever occasion requires. We must beware of an excessive strictness in scrutinizing the past lives of those who need our aid. Are they in real trouble? Are they in real distress? Do they really need help? Then, according to the teaching of this parable — we ought to be ready to assist them.

We should regard the whole world as our parish — and the whole race of mankind as our neighbors. We should seek to be the friend of every one who is oppressed, or neglected, or afflicted, or sick, or in prison, or poor, or an orphan, or a heathen, or a slave, or starving, or dying. We should exhibit such world-wide friendship — no doubt, wisely, discreetly, and with good sense — but of such friendship we never need be ashamed. The ungodly may sneer at it as foolish and fanaticism. But we need not mind that. To be friendly to all men in this way, is to show something of the mind that was in Christ.

We are taught, lastly, in this parable — after what manner, and to what extent we are to show kindness and love to others.

Nor was this all. On the next day he gave the host of the inn money, saying, "Take care of him, and whatever more you spend on him — I will repay you when I come back." And our Lord says to each of us, "Go and do likewise."

The lesson of this part of the parable is plain and unmistakable. The kindness of a Christian towards others should not be in word and in tongue only — but in deed and in truth. His love should be a practical love — a love which entails on him self-sacrifice and self-denial, both in money, and time, and trouble. His charity should be seen not merely in his talking , but his acting — not merely in his profession , but in his practice . He should think it no misspent time to work as hard in doing good to those who need help — as others work in trying to get money for themselves. He should not be ashamed to toil as much to make the misery of this world rather smaller — as those toil who hunt or fish all day long. He should have a ready ear for every tale of sorrow, and a ready hand to help every one in affliction — so long as he has the power. The world may not understand such brotherly love. The returns of gratitude which such love meets with, may be few and small. But to show such brotherly love, is to walk in the steps of Christ — and to reduce the parable of the good Samaritan to practice .

And now let us leave the parable with grave thoughts and deep searchings of heart. How few Christians seem to remember that such a parable was ever written! What an enormous amount of stinginess, and selfishness, and suspicion there is to be seen in the Church — even among people who believe the gospel and go to the Lord's table! How seldom do we see a man who is really kind, and feeling, and generous, and liberal and good-natured — except to himself and his family! Yet the Lord Jesus Christ spoke the parable of the good Samaritan, and meant it to be remembered.

What are we ourselves? Let us not forget to put that question to our hearts. What are we doing, each in our own station, to prove that this mighty parable is one of the rules of our daily life? What are we doing for the heathen — at home and abroad? What are we doing to help those who are troubled in mind, body, or estate? There are many such in this world. There are always some near our own door. What are we doing for them? Anything — or nothing at all? May God help us to answer these questions! The world would be a happier world — if there was more practical Christianity .