In Jesus's day, the Samaritans were despised by Orthodox Jews because most of the Jews from that region had intermarried with foreigners (non-Jews).
The irony of the parable of the "Good Samaritan" (Luke 10:25-37) is that the scorned Samaritan knew how to show love to his neighbor (having no relationship with God); whereas the Levite and a priest, having an intimate knowledge of God's law, did not.
The theme of this story highlights God's love for the unnoticed even until this day (Matthew 25:31-46). In the Gospel of Luke, we can see where Jesus recognized and "had relationship" with many women. Women were not held in high regard in those days and had no rights as citizens of Jerusalem.
However, through Jesus several women had critical roles in the development of Jesus' earthly ministry. Elizabeth, Mary, Anna, the Widow of Nain, The sinner who anointed Jesus' feet, women disciples (Luke 8:1-3), the woman searching for her lost coin, the persistent widow petitioning the unjust judge, the sorrowful women on the way to the Cross and the women who discovered the empty tomb gives depth and viability to God's love through Christ Jesus.
The social outcasts of His day were engaged and empowered by the love of Christ. What can we say about His love for the Gentile as He welcomed them with open arms into His eternal kingdom by faith. The lonely shepherds were given a spiritual leader with grace and peace and joy. The poor were enriched by His words as the Way, the Truth and the Life. The Samaritans were embraced and He ministered to tax collectors, prostitutes, the sick, prisoners, homeless folks, the elderly, lepers and was consistent in that He made no differentiation among them.
Jesus loved them all the same. He gave His life for each one of them (us). Jesus sought out the afflicted, the downtrodden, the forsaken, the lost, the weak, the defenseless, the estranged and gave them peace through FAITH in GOD! How do we love? Do you pick and choose who you will love and not love? Is LOVE the motive for your loving or do you have a hidden agenda for loving?
Jesus never promoted Himself. He simply said, "I can only say what my Father tells Me to say. I can only do what my Father tells Me to do." (John 14 ...paraphrased). In this mindset, a Believer can NEVER go wrong. Just do and say what God tells you.
Jesus' LOVE for the UNNOTICED MUST BE OUR LOVE and it is a TRANSFERABLE SPIRIT that should be ALIVE in EVERY BELIEVER! AMEN!
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