I also find this very timely as I have a friend who is struggling with a rare downturn in her health, and now the loss of her only son to suicide. I am so thankful to have this beautiful insight to share with her. Thanks so much for this beautifully written article.
CapriAugust 26, 2015
Tears shimmer in my eyes as you have reminded me how grateful I am for his robes of righteousness encircling me always. How I run to him often in this difficult world. Thanks for the insight on oil also. So beautiful.
Capri
Chris HunsakerAugust 25, 2015
This was taught long ago as evidenced by the stained glass in Chartres Cathedral in France where the story of the Good Samaritan is depicted in parallel with the Fall of Adam and the Atonement. See https://www.lds.org/liahona/2007/02/the-good-samaritan-forgotten-symbols?lang=eng. Glad to see it being repeated, as it is a truly beautiful parable with much meaning.
sueAugust 25, 2015
Finally had a chance to read this lovely insight. I especially like the comment that, at one time or another, we play all of the parts. There are always layers and layers of meaning to all scriptures. Thanks for that insight.
LeisaAugust 24, 2015
this was magnificent!!! thank you so much for sharing your wise insights.
GabrielleAugust 24, 2015
Unlike Sam, I think you are exposing yet another layer to the parable Jesus taught and ADDING to our understanding, not clouding it. I think there is room in the scriptures for both the simplistic interpretation we've all understood as the commandment of "loving thy neighbor" as well as for the symbolism you reveal here, fruit of much pondering and prayer, I'm sure. Thank you for sharing this, I will be passing it on.
Best wishes,
G Woolwine
Katy, TX
Trish CongertonAugust 24, 2015
Dear Maureen
Parables are multi layered, thank you for revealing yet another layer to the Good Samaritan which I had not seen and increasing my testimony of the Atonement. Love your magazine.
Trish from New Zealand
Jo Ann OkelberryAugust 24, 2015
Thank you for your insights. I think that the parables that Jesus taught can have many meanings to us as we pass through this life just as the scriptures will present different thoughts and angles as we read them over and over. Our former stake president gave a wonderful talk on the Prodigal Son. At the end of the talk he stated that we all play all the parts in our lives. At one time we may be the father and at another time the older brother and then maybe the younger brother. I am grateful for people who can write and express their ideas and thoughts so well. I am grateful that Jesus Christ taught in stories so that we can identify and learn from them.
Vicki Jo AndersonAugust 24, 2015
Establishing Jerusalem as a holy place and then asking, "Who is this man?" was such a powerful lead in to "Who has descended from a holier place?" I loved the thought process that leads the reader to conclude, all of us.
LyndaAugust 24, 2015
Thank you, thank you for the pictures!
JeanAugust 24, 2015
I just listened to a Maxwell Institute podcast with Amy Jill Levine, author of Short Stories by Jesus. She said that the priest and Levite would have known that their first duty was to help a man in need, even if they had to go through ritual purification afterwards. They were leaving Jerusalem so they wouldn't have been worried about being prepared to serve in the temple there. This fits with the JST Luke reference Rob cited, that they went by quickly so no one would know they had seen the unfortunate man.
Linda WoodsAugust 24, 2015
Thank you for the depth of your insight. As in the temple, there are so many layers of meanings in the parables. This was a new, thoughtful, refreshing and lovely insight; very helpful. Thank you so much for your wonderful articles.
Kristi DraperAugust 24, 2015
This interpretation of a beloved and familiar parable is not "an effort to mystify and complicate", in my humble opinion. Rather it is a timely and insightful perspective. Christ taught to "let those who have ears hear", meaning that there is more significance to His message than its face value. Great literature through the ages can often be understood on multiple levels: the obvious message upon the first reading and the more nuanced, intimate message upon a more careful, prayerful, and thoughtful reading. The Bible is no exception.
Richard HartAugust 24, 2015
The only citation I saw was Luke 10:25-37. How could such an article be written without a reference to John W. Welch, The Good Samaritan: A Type and Shadow of the Plan of Salvation, BYU Studies Quarterly, 38:2 (1999)?
LindaAugust 24, 2015
You wrote what I have always felt. The Good Samaritan himself has always been a 'type' of Christ, in my opinion. Excellent article. Thank you!
TerryAugust 23, 2015
There is always deeper meaning in all areas of the Gospel. We learn line upon line and precept upon precept . When we learn one thing and prepare we can learn deeper meanings than the first impressions and surface stories. There are life lessons on every level. He who has ears to hear let him hear.
CorryAugust 23, 2015
My comment is directed to Sam, please read Matthew 13: 9-17.
LindaAugust 22, 2015
Thank you for the marvelous article. It was so inspiring
SamAugust 22, 2015
I disagree with you insights entirely. I view your post as an effort to mystify and complicate the simple truths of the Gospel Jesus taught.
When Jesus was asked what the greatest commandments were, he replied, to love your neighbor as thyself. And when further asked who then is my neighbor, he gave this parable in which a stranger helped a beaten and robbed man while arguably "righteous" people would not. It is a straightforward example to demonstrate to us that we are to help and assist, to be kind to those around us, to everyone we come in contact with, especially the downtrodden and oppressed.
There is no secret message in there to be searched out and discovered. It is simply an example for us to love our neighbors as ourselves, even if they are strangers.
Why would Jesus teach anything else? The Gospel as embodied in the Sermon on the Mount is all about exactly that. That is what Jesus explicitly taught! The first and second great commandments without any mystery or hidden meanings.
Them's my thoughts. I hope you found them helpful
Sam
SherrineAugust 22, 2015
Sister Proctor, you never fail to inspire. Thank you for your beautiful insight into this parable.
DonnaAugust 22, 2015
Another way to think about the Priest and the Levite is that they represent the law of Moses. They could not save the man. Only the higher law can save us. Only Jesus Christ.
Phyllis WhiteAugust 21, 2015
I wrote this poem several years ago. I believe it goes well with your article.
The Real Good Samaritan
By Phyllis White
Battered and bruised and soiled by sin,
shunned by each passer-by,
robbed of all hope and a sense of my worth
I was left by the wayside to die.
Then came a Redeemer who bound up my wounds
and cleansed them with oil and with wine.
Wrapped in His robe of compassion and love,
I sensed in Him something Divine.
He stayed by my side through the darkness of night,
gave me hope for a brighter day.
He arranged for my care and covered the cost
before He went on his way.
He gave me the strength to forsake my sins.
I was healed by His mercy and grace.
How I long for that day when I see Him again,
and I’m clasped in His tender embrace!
RobAugust 21, 2015
That was an awesome read. Thanks for sharing. I would add the Joseph Smith Translation to the Levite though...
JST Luke 10:33
And likewise a Levite, when he was at the place, came and looked upon him, and passed by on the other side of the way; for they desired in their hearts that it might not be known that they had seen him.
SharonAugust 21, 2015
Elder Bednar taught this insight in a BYU Presentation when he was at BYU-Idaho.
PAMAugust 21, 2015
this would be a FANTASTIC family home evening! awesome article
GmaWashAugust 21, 2015
Thank you so much for your wonderful insight on this parable. I have read this many, many times and never thought about it as a type of the atonement of Christ. I will never read that parable the same way again.
AHAugust 21, 2015
Exquisitely written. You have a gift, Maurine, that makes one who reads your writing feel as if they've had a personal, heart-sharing, Spirit-touched visit with you. Thank you!
susan nelsonAugust 21, 2015
i can't thank you enough for this wonderful insight. It gave me thoughts that I have never had and answered questions i have never asked. Thank you, thank you!
DavidDAugust 21, 2015
I have not always been in synch with the viewpoints expressed on Meridian. But this was a wonderful, touching and insightful discussion of a parable that we all thought we knew. Thank you very much.
Richard CrosbyAugust 21, 2015
What a beautiful way to begin my day! Thank you for your insight and understanding, I feel encircled around in the robe of His righteousness.
Vivian RogersAugust 21, 2015
Thank you, Sister Proctor, for that beautiful insight. It seems that the depth of meaning in the Lord's parables is endless, and this one is so comforting.
Charles McClellandAugust 21, 2015
Maureen, I will never read the parable of the Good Samaritan again without thinking of your wonderful insights. It has changed my whole understanding of the story.
CharlieBrown2292August 21, 2015
Dear Maurine,
There are so many great Spiritual Leaders in this Church, it is not difficult to find sources of inspiration and comfort through their speeches and writings. However, some speak to our hearts and souls in such a personal and intimate manner, we can imagine that there was a special kinship between us and them that goes back to the premortal life. This is the case for me whenever I read your articles. Thanks for keeping writing them throughout the years, no matter the challenges in doing so. They also represent to me the work of the Great Samaritan through one of His servants...
CraigAugust 20, 2015
This is so well written, Maureen... Thank you! And, there is even more hidden in this wonderful parable. See PARABLES OF REDEMPTION at Cedar Fort Books...there is a whole chapter on the Good Samaratin with even more hidden, well documented goodies.
Comments | Return to Story
CbowerAugust 26, 2015
I also find this very timely as I have a friend who is struggling with a rare downturn in her health, and now the loss of her only son to suicide. I am so thankful to have this beautiful insight to share with her. Thanks so much for this beautifully written article.
CapriAugust 26, 2015
Tears shimmer in my eyes as you have reminded me how grateful I am for his robes of righteousness encircling me always. How I run to him often in this difficult world. Thanks for the insight on oil also. So beautiful. Capri
Chris HunsakerAugust 25, 2015
This was taught long ago as evidenced by the stained glass in Chartres Cathedral in France where the story of the Good Samaritan is depicted in parallel with the Fall of Adam and the Atonement. See https://www.lds.org/liahona/2007/02/the-good-samaritan-forgotten-symbols?lang=eng. Glad to see it being repeated, as it is a truly beautiful parable with much meaning.
sueAugust 25, 2015
Finally had a chance to read this lovely insight. I especially like the comment that, at one time or another, we play all of the parts. There are always layers and layers of meaning to all scriptures. Thanks for that insight.
LeisaAugust 24, 2015
this was magnificent!!! thank you so much for sharing your wise insights.
GabrielleAugust 24, 2015
Unlike Sam, I think you are exposing yet another layer to the parable Jesus taught and ADDING to our understanding, not clouding it. I think there is room in the scriptures for both the simplistic interpretation we've all understood as the commandment of "loving thy neighbor" as well as for the symbolism you reveal here, fruit of much pondering and prayer, I'm sure. Thank you for sharing this, I will be passing it on. Best wishes, G Woolwine Katy, TX
Trish CongertonAugust 24, 2015
Dear Maureen Parables are multi layered, thank you for revealing yet another layer to the Good Samaritan which I had not seen and increasing my testimony of the Atonement. Love your magazine. Trish from New Zealand
Jo Ann OkelberryAugust 24, 2015
Thank you for your insights. I think that the parables that Jesus taught can have many meanings to us as we pass through this life just as the scriptures will present different thoughts and angles as we read them over and over. Our former stake president gave a wonderful talk on the Prodigal Son. At the end of the talk he stated that we all play all the parts in our lives. At one time we may be the father and at another time the older brother and then maybe the younger brother. I am grateful for people who can write and express their ideas and thoughts so well. I am grateful that Jesus Christ taught in stories so that we can identify and learn from them.
Vicki Jo AndersonAugust 24, 2015
Establishing Jerusalem as a holy place and then asking, "Who is this man?" was such a powerful lead in to "Who has descended from a holier place?" I loved the thought process that leads the reader to conclude, all of us.
LyndaAugust 24, 2015
Thank you, thank you for the pictures!
JeanAugust 24, 2015
I just listened to a Maxwell Institute podcast with Amy Jill Levine, author of Short Stories by Jesus. She said that the priest and Levite would have known that their first duty was to help a man in need, even if they had to go through ritual purification afterwards. They were leaving Jerusalem so they wouldn't have been worried about being prepared to serve in the temple there. This fits with the JST Luke reference Rob cited, that they went by quickly so no one would know they had seen the unfortunate man.
Linda WoodsAugust 24, 2015
Thank you for the depth of your insight. As in the temple, there are so many layers of meanings in the parables. This was a new, thoughtful, refreshing and lovely insight; very helpful. Thank you so much for your wonderful articles.
Kristi DraperAugust 24, 2015
This interpretation of a beloved and familiar parable is not "an effort to mystify and complicate", in my humble opinion. Rather it is a timely and insightful perspective. Christ taught to "let those who have ears hear", meaning that there is more significance to His message than its face value. Great literature through the ages can often be understood on multiple levels: the obvious message upon the first reading and the more nuanced, intimate message upon a more careful, prayerful, and thoughtful reading. The Bible is no exception.
Richard HartAugust 24, 2015
The only citation I saw was Luke 10:25-37. How could such an article be written without a reference to John W. Welch, The Good Samaritan: A Type and Shadow of the Plan of Salvation, BYU Studies Quarterly, 38:2 (1999)?
LindaAugust 24, 2015
You wrote what I have always felt. The Good Samaritan himself has always been a 'type' of Christ, in my opinion. Excellent article. Thank you!
TerryAugust 23, 2015
There is always deeper meaning in all areas of the Gospel. We learn line upon line and precept upon precept . When we learn one thing and prepare we can learn deeper meanings than the first impressions and surface stories. There are life lessons on every level. He who has ears to hear let him hear.
CorryAugust 23, 2015
My comment is directed to Sam, please read Matthew 13: 9-17.
LindaAugust 22, 2015
Thank you for the marvelous article. It was so inspiring
SamAugust 22, 2015
I disagree with you insights entirely. I view your post as an effort to mystify and complicate the simple truths of the Gospel Jesus taught. When Jesus was asked what the greatest commandments were, he replied, to love your neighbor as thyself. And when further asked who then is my neighbor, he gave this parable in which a stranger helped a beaten and robbed man while arguably "righteous" people would not. It is a straightforward example to demonstrate to us that we are to help and assist, to be kind to those around us, to everyone we come in contact with, especially the downtrodden and oppressed. There is no secret message in there to be searched out and discovered. It is simply an example for us to love our neighbors as ourselves, even if they are strangers. Why would Jesus teach anything else? The Gospel as embodied in the Sermon on the Mount is all about exactly that. That is what Jesus explicitly taught! The first and second great commandments without any mystery or hidden meanings. Them's my thoughts. I hope you found them helpful Sam
SherrineAugust 22, 2015
Sister Proctor, you never fail to inspire. Thank you for your beautiful insight into this parable.
DonnaAugust 22, 2015
Another way to think about the Priest and the Levite is that they represent the law of Moses. They could not save the man. Only the higher law can save us. Only Jesus Christ.
Phyllis WhiteAugust 21, 2015
I wrote this poem several years ago. I believe it goes well with your article. The Real Good Samaritan By Phyllis White Battered and bruised and soiled by sin, shunned by each passer-by, robbed of all hope and a sense of my worth I was left by the wayside to die. Then came a Redeemer who bound up my wounds and cleansed them with oil and with wine. Wrapped in His robe of compassion and love, I sensed in Him something Divine. He stayed by my side through the darkness of night, gave me hope for a brighter day. He arranged for my care and covered the cost before He went on his way. He gave me the strength to forsake my sins. I was healed by His mercy and grace. How I long for that day when I see Him again, and I’m clasped in His tender embrace!
RobAugust 21, 2015
That was an awesome read. Thanks for sharing. I would add the Joseph Smith Translation to the Levite though... JST Luke 10:33 And likewise a Levite, when he was at the place, came and looked upon him, and passed by on the other side of the way; for they desired in their hearts that it might not be known that they had seen him.
SharonAugust 21, 2015
Elder Bednar taught this insight in a BYU Presentation when he was at BYU-Idaho.
PAMAugust 21, 2015
this would be a FANTASTIC family home evening! awesome article
GmaWashAugust 21, 2015
Thank you so much for your wonderful insight on this parable. I have read this many, many times and never thought about it as a type of the atonement of Christ. I will never read that parable the same way again.
AHAugust 21, 2015
Exquisitely written. You have a gift, Maurine, that makes one who reads your writing feel as if they've had a personal, heart-sharing, Spirit-touched visit with you. Thank you!
susan nelsonAugust 21, 2015
i can't thank you enough for this wonderful insight. It gave me thoughts that I have never had and answered questions i have never asked. Thank you, thank you!
DavidDAugust 21, 2015
I have not always been in synch with the viewpoints expressed on Meridian. But this was a wonderful, touching and insightful discussion of a parable that we all thought we knew. Thank you very much.
Richard CrosbyAugust 21, 2015
What a beautiful way to begin my day! Thank you for your insight and understanding, I feel encircled around in the robe of His righteousness.
Vivian RogersAugust 21, 2015
Thank you, Sister Proctor, for that beautiful insight. It seems that the depth of meaning in the Lord's parables is endless, and this one is so comforting.
Charles McClellandAugust 21, 2015
Maureen, I will never read the parable of the Good Samaritan again without thinking of your wonderful insights. It has changed my whole understanding of the story.
CharlieBrown2292August 21, 2015
Dear Maurine, There are so many great Spiritual Leaders in this Church, it is not difficult to find sources of inspiration and comfort through their speeches and writings. However, some speak to our hearts and souls in such a personal and intimate manner, we can imagine that there was a special kinship between us and them that goes back to the premortal life. This is the case for me whenever I read your articles. Thanks for keeping writing them throughout the years, no matter the challenges in doing so. They also represent to me the work of the Great Samaritan through one of His servants...
CraigAugust 20, 2015
This is so well written, Maureen... Thank you! And, there is even more hidden in this wonderful parable. See PARABLES OF REDEMPTION at Cedar Fort Books...there is a whole chapter on the Good Samaratin with even more hidden, well documented goodies.
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