In some instances, “familiarity does breed contempt.” But in other situations, it can actually breed error. A case in point is the very familiar parable of the Good Samaritan. Most who have heard it would tell you that its primary point is our invitation, yours and mine, to help out others in need. Should we? Absolutely. And is there a strong reminder to do so even to those we don’t know personally? You bet. But helping the hurting is not the fundamental message of this parable.
Want to discover what is? Well, you can always go back and reread the biblical text in its context and not through the refractive lenses of “what I’ve always been told.” (Luke 10-37). I believe the central message will rise like cream to the top. OR, you could come out this Sunday morning and study along with us as we continue our fall sermon series on the “Parables of Jesus.”