In first-century Israel, Jews disliked Samaritans intensely and Samaritans returned the favor. In spite of being related ethnically, there was a lot of “bad blood” between them (think Russians/ Ukrainians today). In brief, Jews looked down at Samaritans as being ethnically, spiritually and morally impure, compromised and heretical. Samaritans disdained Jews as being arrogant, prejudiced and legalistic.
Jesus often passed through the region of Samaria as he travelled with his disciples from Galilee (in the north) to Judea (in the south). So, it’s not surprising that Jesus had contact with Samaritans and referred to them in his teaching.
The bad Samaritan
Let’s begin with the negative. Near the beginning of John’s Gospel we read an amazing true story of Jesus’ conversation with a Samaritan woman at a well (John chapter 4). Jesus breaks three cultural taboos in this one scene.
First, as a Jew he started talking with a despised Samaritan (not politically or ethnically correct).
Secondly, as a man he was talking to a woman (not culturally correct). And thirdly, as a rabbi (teacher) he was talking to an immoral person (not ethically correct) although he could have been excused for being out-of-town.
Jesus begins the chat by asking the woman for a drink of water (she had a pot and he didn’t).
His request surprised her (for the above reasons) but we assume she fulfilled his request. Jesus then uses the water metaphor and tells her what she really needs is “living water.”
“Everyone who drinks this water will be thirsty again, but whoever drinks the water I give them will never thirst. Indeed, the water I give them will become in them a spring of water welling up to eternal life.” (John 4:13) This statement intrigues the woman so now she is the one asking for a drink. She doesn’t understand though that Jesus’ living water is referring to the Holy Spirit.
Jesus then asks her to go home, get her husband, and return. She replies that she doesn’t have a husband (Jesus already knew that). And then comes bombshell Number One: “You are right when you say you have no husband. The fact is, you have had five husbands, and the man you now have is not your husband. What you have just said is quite true.” The woman is shocked and quickly concludes that this stranger must be a prophet to know all this.
She tries to change the topic to something less personal and embarrassing. Then comes bombshell Number Two. When she makes a reference to the long-promised Messiah, Jesus looks at her and says, “I, the one speaking to you — I am he.” The woman believes, rushes back to her village and tells everyone what happened. This “bad Samaritan” now becomes a “good Samaritan” whose life (and lifestyle) is changed forever.
The good Samaritans
Let’s move on to the positive — two good Samaritans in the Gospels. Both examples were politically incorrect for Jews but Jesus didn’t care about that. The first one has a parable named after him. You probably know the story.
After a man is mugged and left for dead, two Jewish religious leaders find him (one after the other) but do nothing to help their fellow Jew. The next man to come by is a Samaritan (who’s not supposed to like Jews) and he’s the one who shows compassion and helps the man generously. The point of Jesus’ story is to be like the good Samaritan and help others in need without condition or ulterior motive.
The second example is a real-life story of ten lepers whom Jesus heals. Jesus tells them to present themselves to the local priests (which they do). However, only one returns to thank Jesus and guess what? He was a Samaritan (the others were presumably Jews). He too could be called a good (and thankful) Samaritan.
So, what can we learn from all this? Regardless of your situation in life (even if it’s pretty hard), reach out to Jesus in faith like you’ve never done before. He has a wonderful way of turning bad into good both in this life and in the next.
Rob Weatherby is a retired pastor.
