The lessons Christians learn from this is that they have a duty and responsibility to help all people, those they do not like, those who have been unkind, those of a different race and those that have brought the suffering on themselves because the Samaritan showed no prejudice or discrimination.
Christians believe it is their duty to help the poor. Jesus said that the really important people were the sinners, the lepers, the poor, the prostitutes and the tax collectors.
Jesus showed compassion for the sick and healed those with diseases.
Matthew Chapter 10 Verse 8
“Heal the sick, raise the dead, cleanse those who have leprosy, drive out demons. Freely you have received, freely give. ”
Jesus also put this into practice when he Jesus fed 5,000 with five small barley loaves and two small fish.
This taught Christians to share; they are encouraged to give rather than just expecting to receive. Christians are able to see that caring for the less fortunate is very important and part of their faith.
In the time of Jesus many people believed that wealth was a sign of blessing and the rich should be respected because God had rewarded them. Jesus’ teachings gave a very different message.
Luke 6: 20-21
“Blessed are you who are poor, for yours is the kingdom of God. Blessed are you who hunger now, for you will be satisfied. Blessed who weep now, for you will laugh. ”
The teaching means that no-one is perceived as a greater person in God’s eyes because of their hunger, their unhappiness or their poverty therefore they should not be looked down upon as if they are a lesser being. They should in fact be treated with the same respect as the wealthy and more fortunate.
Amos was an Old Testament prophet who lived in 18th century BCE. The role of a prophet was to pass messages from God to people. Amos took this role even though he was only an ordinary sheep farmer. The message that Amos was told was very clear – the people had offended God and were to be punished. They weren’t taking part in worship and they were cheating the poor.
Amos 5, 23 – 24
“I hate, I despise your religious feasts; I cannot stand your assemblies. Even though you bring me burnt offerings and grain offerings I will not accept them. Though you bring choice fellowship offerings, I will have no regard for them. Let justice roll on like a river, righteousness like a never – failing stream. ”
In this teaching believers are taught the importance of the poor and the way they are treated. The teaching shows this because God had become extremely angry that the poor were being cheated and he believed it to be a serious matter. He took great offence as if the people had personally insulted him.
When Jesus was asked by the Rich Man how to inherit eternal life Jesus told him that he must obey the commandments. The Rich Man told Jesus he had always done so, Jesus then told the Rich Man to sell all his possessions and give the money to the poor but he was unable to do this and he went away unhappy.
Mark 10, Verse 21
“Jesus looked at him and loved him. “ One thing you lack,” he said. “ Go, sell everything you have and give to the poor, and you will have treasure in heaven. ”
This teachings shows greed, where the Rich Man preferred to put his money and possessions before God. Loving God involves keeping the commandments; the Rich Man was told he should respond to God by caring for people, especially those in need. In this teaching the Rich Man did not obey the commandments as Jesus had asked because he portrayed greed by putting himself first and not giving to the less fortunate. The theme of this teaching is Agape Love which the Rich Man was not able to show resulting in him eventually losing all that he had.
In the world today there are many who are less fortunate; over one billion people are in absolute poverty – a life of malnutrition, illiteracy, disease, high infant mortality rate and low life expectancy. All routes out of poverty are firmly shut because of lack of education. Technical aid, employment, sanitation or access to health services transport or communication. Other issues include War and Euthanasia. There is no clear cut Christian Response for Christians to follow but people should respond to God by caring for each other. The poor have a special place with God. Jesus taught of love for others and concern for the weak. Love is not just a feeling it has to be put into practice and Jesus taught with his words and actions that Agape love was not just a feeling. It is wrong to live a comfortable life style and enjoy luxuries when there are poor people around who need help. People need to stop measuring success by the amount they consume and stop aiming towards extravagant, wasteful lifestyles.
Caring for the poor is the same as caring for Jesus. Every life is of value as being made in the ‘image of God.’ True Christians will respect God’s teachings; they can do this by putting themselves last and others first in giving not receiving.
