Between Jerusalem and Jericho.
I. A certain man fell among thieves; here is the black margin which surrounds civilised society. It is, perhaps, only a man here or there who may actually fall amongst thieves; but it is from individual men that we learn the true condition of the society that lies beyond us. There is a boundary beyond which if a man step he will pass into the most aggravated form of barbarism.
II. There came down a priest that way, as also a Levite and a Samaritan; so the escape of some is not to be taken as a condemnation of others. All the four men went down the same road, yet only one of them was unfortunate. You have passed safely down the roads of business, sociality, affliction; do not turn your escape into a whip with which to scourge less fortunate men.
III. The priest passed by on the other side, so did the Levite. The thing which is always being done by a negative and do-nothing respectability. There are two sides in life; (1) the side on which men are dying, and (2) the other side. We can choose our side. On the first side we shall find (1) something to shock our sensibilities; (2) something to interrupt our speed; (3) something to tax our resources. On the opposite side we shall find a clear path to infamy and the hell of eternal remorse.
IV. The priest passed by and so did the Levite so sacred names are no guarantee for sacred services. It is a terrible thing for the nature to fall below the name.
V. But a certain Samaritan had compassion on him there are unexpected sources of help in life. This reflection is of the greatest practical value as showing (1) that we all need help; (2) as protecting men from despair; (3) as showing that we ourselves may become the unexpected helpers of others. The Christian application of this study is obvious. (1) Life is a perilous journey. (2) Lost men will never be saved by formal piety. (3) The true Helper is the very Being whom we have offended. The Teacher of this parable is the Exemplar of its beneficent doctrine. The teacher should always be the explanation of his own lesson.
Parker, City Temple,vol. ii., p. 25.
References: Luke 10:33; Luke 10:34. J. E. Vaux, Sermon Notes,2nd series, p. 26; C. Kingsley, Discipline and Other Sermons,p. 154; Plain Sermons by Contributors to "Tracts for the Times,"vol. iv., p. 177. Luke 10:34. J. Vaughan, Sermons,3rd series, p. 41.