The Denison review. [volume] (Denison, Iowa) 1867-current, 1914-01-14
Sunday School Notes
Side Lights on Next Sundays Lesson
for Teachers and Pupils.
Edited by Charles X. Meyers

We have for our lesson this week
one Of the greatest OF of the parallels
given by Jesus, to show us the true
nature of the Kingdom OF God" and
which He came to earth to establish.
The parallels of the Prodigal Son and
the Lost Sheep are more often spok-
en- Of, but these are no more import
ant than the one we consider today.
It may be we'll to remember that in
the days of Jesus there were many
bright men, we'll educated in the laws
of the Old Testament, and who were
most anxious to obtain from Him
words which could be used to damage
Him with the Jewish church, and the
people generally. 1t will be remem-
bered that at the trial of Jesus He
asked His accusers to point out some
words or acts which made Him
worthy of death, but none could be
found. This is of Importance, as
showing His divine nature, and abso-
lutte correctness of speech and act.
There was ever desire to have Him
say things contrary to the laws of
Moses and thus show He was not the
Son of God. An astute lawyer came
to Jesus one day with the question,
What shall l do to inherit eternal
life?" Jesus did not attempt to give
new rule, but simply asked the man
how the Jewish law read in answer to
the question. The lawyer thus ad
dressed promptly quoted a short SEN
tence which in compact form told
ones duty to God and man. He said,
"Thou shalt love the Lord thy God
with all thy heart, and with all thy
soul. and with all thy strength and
with all thy mind, and thy neighbor
as thy SELF" Jesus then said he had
answered we'll, adding, do this and
thou shalt live" The lawyer wishing
to further engage the Master in con-
versation asked, "Who is my neigh
bor?" and then Jesus gave the parable
of the Good Samaritan.
Although most of my readers may
know of the details of this parable, l
will refresh their recollection briefly.
Jesus related to the experience of a
man who went down from Jerusalem
to Jericho distance, by the way, Of
about eighteen miles. While on the
journey he fell among thieves who
took his clothing, beat him and left
him nearly dead in the road. Not long
after Jewish priest passed along the
way and forgetting his duty under the
law of Moses to help and succor one of
his race and religion, proceeded on.
Again a Levite, member of the tribe
from which priests and temple help
ers came, in his journey arrived and
viewing the situation, either from fear
of harm to himself or failure to do his
duty, passed by, leaving the injured
one. Lastly there came resident of
Samaria on his animal. Such as he,
no Jew would associate with, for there
was feud between them dating back
hundreds of years. 1t is certain that
touching a Samaritan. Despite this
the last traveller had compassion on
the wounded man, dressed his wounds,
put him on his beast, walked himself
to the next inn. At this he placed the
sufferer in the hands of the keeper,
making an advanced payment of nurse
hire and promising to pay more later,
if needed. Jesus asked the lawyer,
"Who was neighbor to the man who
fell among thieves The reply could
be no other than ''he that showed
mercy on him." Jesus ended the con-
versation by saying, Go and do thou
likewise"
The christian religion calls for just
such conduct in life as that of the man
who was kind even to the enemies of
his countrymen. 1t is easy enough
to help relative, close friend, fellow
member of an order, member of the
church, but it takes the grace of God
in the heart to assist an enemy or a
stranger. It is of the very essence of
christianity to be helpful to all, no
matter who they be. 1t will be re-
membered that Jesus commended
those who had even given cup of
water in His name, or visited the sick,
clothed the poor or been kindly to
those in prison.
Let it be remembered that it is on
ly where the religion of Jesus is known
and practiced that compassion for the
poor and unfortunate is found It is
the gospel of Jesus which leads men
to build and equip homes for the in
sane and blind, hospitals for the sick
In this way are christians needing the
teachings of Jesus in the parable of
the Good Samaritan.
| Even the best of people have to
struggle against narrowness in help
fulness l have known of even minis
tiers and their wives who have not
called on the sick at their very door
because the helpless one was not a
member of "my church." 1t is not so
hard to give succor to one in our class
of society, but to love the weak and
degraded sufficiently to with willing
ness help them, requires the Christ
love in the heart.
1t is the highest tribute which per-
son can have given him or her that
they are typical of the Good Samari-
tan. Happily everyone can be such.
1t requires not wealth or station, but
only putting away selfishness and
seeking daily and hourly chances to
be helpful to our fellow men. Let us
remember that love to God is not
sufficient in His sight, If love to our
neighbor is not only felt and practiced