"But the fruit of the Spirit is... GOODNESS..." Galatians 5:22
Definitions:
good (g
d)adj. bet·ter (b
t
r), best (bst)
d)adj. bet·ter (btr), best (bst)
1. Being positive or desirable in nature; not bad or poor: a good experience
2.a. Having the qualities that are desirable or distinguishing in a particular thing: a good exterior paint
b. Serving the desired purpose or end; suitable: Is this a good dress for the party?
3.a. Not spoiled or ruined: The milk is still good.
b. In excellent condition; sound
4.a. Superior to the average; satisfactory: a good student.
b. Used formerly to refer to the U.S. Government grade of meat higher than standard and lower than choice.
5.a. Of high quality: good books.
b. Discriminating: good taste.
6. Worthy of respect; honorable: ruined the family's good name.
7. Attractive; handsome: good looks.
8. Beneficial to health; salutary: a good night's rest.
9. Competent; skilled: a good machinist.
10. Complete; thorough
goodness [ˈgʊdnɪs] n
1. the state or quality of being good
2. generosity; kindness
3. moral excellence; piety; virtue
Scripture of the Week: The Parable of the Good Samaritan:
Luke 10:25-37, "One day an expert in religious law stood up to test
Jesus by asking him this question: “Teacher, what should I do to inherit
eternal life?”
26Jesus replied, “What does the law of Moses say? How do you read it?”
27The man answered, “‘You must love the Lord your God with all your heart, all your soul, all your strength, and all your mind.’ And, ‘Love your neighbor as yourself.’”
29The man wanted to justify his actions, so he asked Jesus, “And who is my neighbor?”
30Jesus replied with a story: “A
Jewish man was traveling from Jerusalem down to Jericho, and he was
attacked by bandits. They stripped him of his clothes, beat him up, and
left him half dead beside the road.
31“By chance a priest came along. But when he saw the man lying there, he crossed to the other side of the road and passed him by.
32A Temple assistant (a Levi) walked over and looked at him lying there, but he also passed by on the other side.
33“Then a despised Samaritan came along, and when he saw the man, he felt compassion for him.
34Going
over to him, the Samaritan soothed his wounds with olive oil and wine
and bandaged them. Then he put the man on his own donkey and took him to
an inn, where he took care of him.
35The next day he handed the innkeeper two silver coins, telling him, ‘Take care of this man. If his bill runs higher than this, I’ll pay you the next time I’m here.’
36“Now which of these three would you say was a neighbor to the man who was attacked by bandits?” Jesus asked.
37The man replied, “The one who showed him mercy.”
Then Jesus said, “Yes, now go and do the same.”" (NLT)
This scripture seems to be coming up a lot in my recent studies, so I thought it would be an excellent choice of s a scripture for us this week.
In Bible times the Samaritans were "despised" by the other Jews. So why would he (the Good Samaritan) show forth Goodness toward a man, who would probably pass him by had the roles been reversed? This story is a great example to us in many ways. We could think of Jesus as the Good Samaritan. He felt compassion for us, and gave everything He had to help bring us into a lasting relationship with Him. His Goodness out shown all of the evil that was thrown at him (so much evil that He was eventually crucified.) God in His Goodness sent Jesus to redeem us/save us from all the evil that has weighed us down here on earth. We live in a world of sin. We deserve to be beaten up and left for dead (like the man in the parable). Ultimately we deserve hell. But God sent someone to save us. Someone who washed our wounds with his own blood and healed us(like the olive oil and wine in the parable). Not only that, but He paid the price for us and died on the cross to redeem us from an eternity in hell("he handed the innkeeper tow silver coins, telling him, 'Take care of this man...'"). "Greater love has no one than this, that he lay down his life for his friends." (John 15:13 NIV) Jesus was more than a neighbor to us... He was the ultimate redeemer; our Savior. The least we can do is show Goodness and love to those around us. After all, He loved his enemies as much as he loved those who followed Him. And while hanging on the cross said, "Father, forgive them, for they do not know what they are doing." (Luke 23:24 NIV)
In Bible times the Samaritans were "despised" by the other Jews. So why would he (the Good Samaritan) show forth Goodness toward a man, who would probably pass him by had the roles been reversed? This story is a great example to us in many ways. We could think of Jesus as the Good Samaritan. He felt compassion for us, and gave everything He had to help bring us into a lasting relationship with Him. His Goodness out shown all of the evil that was thrown at him (so much evil that He was eventually crucified.) God in His Goodness sent Jesus to redeem us/save us from all the evil that has weighed us down here on earth. We live in a world of sin. We deserve to be beaten up and left for dead (like the man in the parable). Ultimately we deserve hell. But God sent someone to save us. Someone who washed our wounds with his own blood and healed us(like the olive oil and wine in the parable). Not only that, but He paid the price for us and died on the cross to redeem us from an eternity in hell("he handed the innkeeper tow silver coins, telling him, 'Take care of this man...'"). "Greater love has no one than this, that he lay down his life for his friends." (John 15:13 NIV) Jesus was more than a neighbor to us... He was the ultimate redeemer; our Savior. The least we can do is show Goodness and love to those around us. After all, He loved his enemies as much as he loved those who followed Him. And while hanging on the cross said, "Father, forgive them, for they do not know what they are doing." (Luke 23:24 NIV)
What does this parable mean to you? What do you think the in-depth meaning of this parable was and is? Do you think Jesus meant a little more by this parable than meets the eye? I look forward to hearing your thoughts in comments below or by e-mailing me at girlbiblestudy@hotmail.com!
Blessings!
~ S*
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