The Victim

When Jesus taught in public, He often used parables to illustrate object lessons so that every one could understand. Many people followed Him when He journeyed with His disciples through hamlets, towns and villages, teaching matters not only of eternal interest, but also about conditions of character. There were the rich and poor alike, the high and lowly, the prejudiced and ignorant, the sophisticated as well as the rough, brute and illiterate among the throng who followed Jesus, the teacher from Galilee. Some came out of curiosity, listening only to find cause for accusation against Him, by twisting His words,
bearing false witness to the leaders of the Sanhedrin, who hated this humble carpenter from Nazareth. For He dared at times to speak strong words against their bigotry and hypocrisy.

Some came to hear encouraging words, others needed comfort, hope and goodly words to soothe their wounded souls, calming their disquieted spirits. All classes of people mingled from far and near, from the humble to the proud and those of whom the prophets spoke centuries ago of which Jesus says: “Therefore speak I to them in parables: because they seeing see not; and hearing they hear not, neither do they understand.” – Matt. 13:13; Isa. 6:9; Eze, 12:2.

The following story about one of the most beautiful parables has inspired many an artist and writer ever since Jesus had uttered this precious chain of thought about an actual event. Numerous stories have been written about this particular tale of the Good Samaritan, every preacher and teacher of the Gospel used and still uses it in their messages.

The hero of the event is the Samaritan, the splendid example of compassion and self-denial and help in time of need to learn from. But what about the victim, the main object of the parable? Without him, there would be no lessons about the other three persons involved.

In this article we take a look at the victim. Jesus speaks about a “certain man” traveling from Jerusalem to Jericho.

The Journey

This certain man, an Israelite was not a common, or some base fellow, for then he would not have drawn the attention of the thieves. He was of noble stature, dressed in fine garments with a leather bag over the shoulder. He started out early in the morning, leaving Jerusalem while the air was yet cool and fresh. He was on an important errand, though not a pleasant one, nevertheless it must be done and quickly. His mood was not the best, for the anger troubling him for the last days flared up again and made him to press forward with urgency.

A few days ago he received the news, that the acquaintance of Jericho whom he is now going to meet, had cheated him in his last business deal. He gave that man a piece of property to sell for him and to get such and such percentage of the sale. He figured a certain amount of what the worth might be and the partner agreed. But then our traveler heard the property had sold for a much higher price than expected, and that the man had kept the extra sum besides his deserved percentage. This made our man very ill tempered, for he could not be cheated on like that, no not him!

He is trying hard to make his way up in society, dealing honestly, yet he was very exacting as well. He would not miss out a farthing to be gained, and has no sympathy for anyone who does not pay him his due immediately. He wanted a name and the respect of the people, and to achieve this even more so, gives at times generous donations to the priests for the temple. Their friendship means much to him and sometimes invites the priests to his house for a sumptuous fare of exotic delicacies and rare wines. He considers himself a decent business man, but to be cheated on he will not tolerate. He was convinced the extra money was his; he must get it and that at once.

The wrath within him energized his steps and before the sun was too high, he was well on the way into the wilderness of Judea.

The Attack

A steep, rocky ravine lay ahead where at times robbers attacked the people who happened to travel through. Our businessman was so consumed by his
thinking how he could get even with that scroundel in Jericho, he gave no thought to any danger. He went on neither looking left nor right. Suddenly he felt a hard blow on his head. He heard the coarse shouting of excited voices, and to his total surprise was instantly surrounded by a horde of wild looking men, tearing the fine leather bag from his shoulder, stripping him of his garments and sandals, punching, beating him with rough, powerful fists from all sides, so that he lost balance.

Before he could fully grasp what happened, one of the robbers hit him once more with something hard over the head with such force, that blood gushed out from above one eye on the forehead – then all was blackness.

The mob quickly disappeared. The gained treasure of fine clothes and the considerable sum in the bag left them satisfied for some days.

The Victim

Hours passed. By now the sun was beating down waves of heat upon land and creature. Our poor traveler was lying in a pool of blood, mangled and unconscious beside the path. He looked like one dead. After a while he awoke for a moment out of unconsciousness because of tremendous thirst. He could not move, pain ravaged his body everywhere, he tried to open his eyes, but one was shut tight because of the thick layer of dried blood from the gap on the forehead. But with the other eye he could recognize just for an instant the figure of a well known priest passing by. Then all was black again.

Time went on and the condition of the victim became very serious. Left unattended, he would not survive the night. He lost much blood and the heat began to dehydrate his system. Meanwhile a Levite came along, but because of the blood, the distressing sight of the battered body before him caused him to shrink from getting involved (his nice clothes would become quite soiled) – though his conscience told him otherwise. – Hours passed.

The Samaritan

Then a happy singing voice and the steps of sure-footed ass broke the silence of the place. A Samaritan, riding on his beast was joyfully traveling to a far away friend, with whom he was going to set up some business.

Suddenly the cheerful singing stopped, as the Samaritan noticed the motionless, marred body below him. Immediately he lighted off the ass to look if the assassinated one was alive – he was, but barely.

By now the victim was in a most critical condition. The long exposure to the hot sun caused dehydration and fever. Flies had settled over his wounds. Instant help was the only means for survival. The Samaritan knew what to do. Hastily he took from the basket water, oil, wine (about the wine and
oil, see note at end of article) and cloth; items he always carries with him when he travels. Then he kneels beside the victim.

A wave of compassion and pity came over him as he looked at the wounds, the many bruises, the swellings, the mass of dried blood over face, body and ground. The swarms of flies, disturbed in their feasting, were now buzzing wildly round about. With the utmost tenderness he puts one hand underneath the injured head to drop some wine diluted with water into the cracked, parched lips of the victim. Gently he moistened the mouth and slowly, very carefully trickles drops between the lips, so no choking would occur, which happens, if the liquid would go down the throat too quickly. By doing this, a movement went through the limp body. The refreshing wine brought the victim out of his unconscious state. Eagerly he began to slurp the offered drink. Strengthened, the wounded man opened his eye and looked directly into the compassionate face of the Samaritan, whose eyes sparkled up as he beheld the response to his drink.

The victim wanted to say something, but could not utter a word, he was too weak, and delirious with fever he could not think clearly. He tried to move his lips for a whisper, but then all was black before him once more.

Now the Samaritan began to clean off with the oil the worst of the crusted blood on the face, and then mixed wine and oil together to tend to the terrible laceration on the head, bandaged it and moistened again with oil, so that it can easily be removed for redressing. Then he took a piece from his own garments and wrapped it around the victim. After that he most carefully lifted the man to put him on his beast, to take him to the inn where he sometimes spends the night during his journeys.

It was a slow, difficult travel down the rocky steep. The Samaritan needed to support the limp body with his arms, to hold him up as he walked beside the animal. But at last they arrived at the familiar inn in the plain below. There he rented a room, “and took care of him.” (Verse 34). He urged the innkeeper to provide him buckets with cool water from the well, extra sheets and towels for his patient.

The Samaritan put the victim into the bed. Then with a wet cloth began to wash the many wounds and bruises, dressing them carefully to avoid infection. This done the fever must be brought down. So he folded a sheet, soaked it in the bucket, pressed out the excess water and laid it on the body of
the victim. The feet he wrapped in a wet towel. Upon the forehead he put a soaked cloth. Every so often he repeated the whole process to cool off the hot skin.

The night came on and the Samaritan could finally retire and take his rest. But he would not leave his patient, until he knew the man was out of greatest danger. The fever had dropped to a degree acceptable. The short and hasty breathing became more calm and relaxed, the racing heartbeat had slowed down to almost normal. Now covered with dry clean sheets, he would sleep well.

Early next morning, before leaving, the Samaritan once more looked at his patient, who was still asleep. The same looked much better and it was obvious, that after some days he would be fully restored. Still he needs care and attention. But he, the Samaritan must go on; he cannot wait any longer, his journey is yet far. So when he “departed, he took out two pence and gave them to the host, and said unto him, Take care of him; and whatsoever thou spendest
more, when I come again, I will repay you.” (Verse 35).

With a happy heart, and an even more energetic, joyful singing the Samaritan went on, riding upon his ass content and grateful to God for the opportunity to have helped to save someone’s life.

A Change of Heart

Back in the inn it was quiet. Other overnighters also left and the first hustle and bustle of the day was over. Now the innkeeper could put together what
the Samaritan requested to provide for the patient. Meanwhile the victim had awakened. Astonished he noticed himself lying in a bed with a clean sheet covering him, one arm was wrapped in cloth, and on his aching head he felt a thick bandage round about. What is this? Where was he? What happened?

Just then the door opened and the innkeeper brought some light food and drink. At that sight the patient felt hunger, for he had not eaten since he left Jerusalem. And was he ever thirsty! The host was pleased to see the man so much better than last eve. He put a cup of fresh grape juice to his lips,
which he drank with great eagerness, then another and another. Immensely strengthened by this refreshment, he asked the host where he was; and how come he ended up in this room?

With incredible amazement he listened to what the host was telling. Yes, he remembered of being attacked, but after the final blow on his head, he fell, and
all became blurred and fuzzy before his eyes, than blackness. He tried to sit up to eat some food set before him, but this made him very dizzy; and the pain like a thousand needles in the head, soared by this movement to such unbearableness, he had to lay down again.

Then while alone once more, his mind went about the man who so marvelously intervened and cared. It was clear that he had saved his life from a horrible death. During the next few days while he was not yet able to get on his feet, he had much to think and ponder. And thinking he did about the Samaritan who was such a marvel to him he could not grasp. How could he care about a total stranger, even a Jew in such an awful state as he was, to help and even provide for the means when he left? Never in his entire life had the victim heard or seen such a thing.

What kind of person is that? While wondering and contemplating, he suddenly remembered the moment, when he looked into the face of the Samaritan, when he let trickles of cooling wine into his parched throat. Now he held on to this brief gaze and the face of his benefactor was imprinted in his mind for ever. This benevolent expression of the face, that soft smile and those gently eyes – he will never forget. In fact, these were making their way into his heart so encased within a hard crust, and they penetrated right down to the very bottom of his soul. And to this stern, exacting businessman, those eyes of
the stranger began to touch and melt that cold, pitiless heart. A wave of warmth arose from within and embraced him with such gentleness, that he let himself completely immerse in this wonder, so totally new to him – so strange, yet so soothing to his soul, and so incredibly irresistible.

Then a terrible shame came over him, but those eyes did not condemn, they had only pity and compassion. Now the victim realized the total failure of his life and as he looked on the works “of his hands,” it was all “vanity and vexation of spirit.” (Eccl. 2:11). He had lived only for himself, gratifying the desires of his covetous heart. He looked to people as a mere means to serve his benefit; it did not enter his mind to consider their need. To give them a smile,
a kind word, an offering of help. This was altogether foreign to his character. Of course he had no real friends, people were more afraid of him than in trusting him. All this went through his mind while he was recuperating in those quiet days at the inn.

A new wonderful attitude now captivated this man – to become like this stranger, so kind, so helpful, so happy. He thought about the priest who passed him by after the attack, he was one of those coming to his feasts. Now he realizes they all only befriended him because of gifts, nothing more. Then there is that scoundrel in Jericho for whom he undertook this journey. But now he is a changed man and his interest and outlook on life is different. He will not go there, oh no, he has a much better, nobler goal before him. His only desire, as soon as he is well enough to travel, is to go and search for this Samaritan. To thank him for befriending him. The wall of prejudice against Samaritans is of no concern, for higher motives drive him, and he will not rest until he comes across the man, who not only saved his life, but changed him into another man.

So that traumatic, horrible encounter in the wilderness was actually the best thing, the greatest blessing that could have happened to him.

Is Gratitude a Duty?

The point in the parable Jesus was making is: “Go and do thou likewise” (verse37) to your “neighbour.” It is the obligation and opportunity of the Christian to do good to others (not only when in need), regardless of race or inconvenience. This is the policy of the heavenly kingdom and no one, who had not engaged himself in unselfish service, will ever have a right to dwell on this earth made new, because it is given to those for a possession who are “meek” and “merciful.”

The so-called children of Abraham in name only, like the priest and the Levite in the story, are strangers to the kingdom of God, but many who are considered “unworthy” of the privilege to be called children of Abraham, are in truth the real seed of Isaac.

Now another thought of no less weight: The one who in this life has once been helped, even saved by someone from a terrible calamity, be it financial, physical, or of a personal nature – is he not obligated to show gratitude in some way? Or does he think he had a “right” for the help, that he “deserved” it, and makes no effort to do any good in return? From the worldly standard we may expect this attitude…

But did Jesus have an “obligation” to come down from heaven to “seek and save that which was lost”? (Luke 19:10). Did we “deserve” His willingness to endure the fiercest assaults and temptations of Satan, the diabolic hatred of the religious leaders, the terrible agony in Gethsemane, and the shameful death as a criminal on the cross of Calvary? The pure, the innocent One?

In the view of the broken law of God, we deserved “death” not life. But, because of boundless, divine love and compassion, Jesus laid aside His crown and royal robe to garb Himself as a humble servant to minister unto the “dead in trespasses and sin” (Eph. 2:1). To deliver them from hell, that they might enter into a new life under His personal protection and power forever.

For such a gift, which cannot be estimated with many means, is it not the duty of one who received and accepted the gift of life, to give himself and his time in gratitude to the Saviour? Getting to know Him truly as a personal Friend and Counselor and to serve Him by doing good?

“If we go not after Him and seek Him with all the heart, He will not be found of us.” (Jer. 29:13).

From birth we grow up “half-dead” because of sin, healing is freely offered through the grace of God, but if not taken up in earnest, one remains, “without fruit, twice dead, plucked up by the roots.” (Jude 12). Then the sacrifice of Jesus was in vain and life itself a curse, with a terrible ending in the second death. The whole content of this particular parable is full of rich and very deep thoughts to ponder on. May it be a spark for some to kindle a warm fire of genuine Christian love and service. To God be praise for ever!
AMEN.

Now a quote about Luke 10:34 “Pouring in oil and wine:” “This was an external and medicinal application. The mixture of the two formed a healing ointment. Pliny mentions “oleum gleucinum,” which was compounded of oil and gleucus (sweet wine), as an excellent ointment for wounds.” Columella gives the recipe for making it. – Baptist Bible Commentary, pg. 297. Fresh grape juice in ancient times (and still is being done in the hot Middle East)
was boiled down to about 3/4 the amount, till thick. Then it was poured into new amphorae or other earthen vessels, lined inside and outside with pitch, sealed and stored. This method kept the air out and could be kept indefinitely. No fermentation would take place. Sometimes the vessels were immersed in water. If the temperature would be too high when grape juice was kept in skins or other containers, the liquid would become vinegar; this is the law of
nature. The temperature for fermentation to become alcohol must be between 50- 70 F. Below this the juice would keep fresh; when above 75F, it spoils, becomes acid – sour, vinegar. The wine the Bible recommends is the fresh juice of the grape, stored mostly as sweet wine, a thick syrup-like substance to be diluted. The wine the Bible condemns, is fermented juice – the alcoholic wine (Prov. 20:1; 23:30-32; Isa.28:7; etc.). Distillation was not known
until the 19th century.

Edda Tedford , Canada