Last Saturday morning, elementary and middle school children discussed the Good Samaritan Parable at Delta Missions' Saturday Youth Bible Study and Recreation Ministry at 410 Johnson Avenue, Indianola.
Rosemary Miller, a retired behavior specialist, now a volunteer at Delta Missions, opened her class with prayer, asking God to give her strength and wisdom to teach students how to show love to others even when it's inconvenient.
The 40-minute class session explored the parable of the Good Samaritan.
"Open your minds; today, we will discuss the role of each person in the parable of the Good Samaritan," Miller said.
Students read aloud Luke 10:25-37 KJV.
25 And, behold, a certain lawyer stood up, and tempted him, saying, Master, what shall I do to inherit eternal life?
26 He said unto him, What is written in the law? how readest thou?
27 And he answering 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 neighbour as thyself.
28 And he said unto him, Thou hast answered right: this do, and thou shalt live.
29 But he, willing to justify himself, said unto Jesus, And who is my neighbour?
30 And Jesus answering said, A certain man went down from Jerusalem to Jericho, and fell among thieves, which stripped him of his raiment, and wounded him, and departed, leaving him half dead.
31 And by chance there came down a certain priest that way: and when he saw him, he passed by on the other side.
32 And likewise a Levite, when he was at the place, came and looked on him, and passed by on the other side.
33 But a certain Samaritan, as he journeyed, came where he was: and when he saw him, he had compassion on him,
34 And went to him, and bound up his wounds, pouring in oil and wine, and set him on his own beast, and brought him to an inn, and took care of him.
35 And on the morrow 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 thee.
36 Which now of these three, thinkest thou, was neighbour unto him that fell among the thieves?
37 And he said, He that shewed mercy on him. Then said Jesus unto him, Go, and do thou likewise.
"What are some reasons people don't help others?" she asked her students. The responses included: a lot of times, people are in a hurry, and some are scared to help, thinking someone is trying to trick them.
"Another reason may be that we have no time to help others; God wants us to show those who are hurt his love and compassion," explained Miller.
"How would you feel if no one stopped to help you" she asked.
One student said that he would feel bad.
Miller continued with the discussion and explained the role of each person in the parable:
Priest. The Jewish priests' primary responsibility was to make offerings for the people at the Temple to purify them and gain forgiveness for their sins.
Levite. The Levites were the priestly tribe of Israel. They also worked in the Temple on behalf of the Jewish people. Likely, the priest and the Levite did not go near the victim's body because he looked dead, and touching a dead body required ritual washing.
Samaritan. The Samaritans were descendants of the Northern tribes of Israel. Rather than going into exile with the rest of Israel, the Samaritans’ ancestors stayed in Israel and intermarried with Gentiles (non-Jews), some of whom worshiped other gods. Therefore, the Jews did not think of them as either Gentiles or Jews, and they generally disliked the Samaritans.
She continued, "Jesus uses this story to explain the unlimited nature of love. Our neighbor is not just someone within our community. Our neighbor is anyone in need of love and mercy. Instead of asking who deserves our love as a neighbor, this parable teaches us to love beyond the confines of our community, race, or religion."
Miller challenged her students to be Good Samaritans: love and respect everybody.
"Who is the hardest person to love?" she asked her students. "The answer is ourselves. If we don't love ourselves, it's hard to love others. God made you- he didn't make junk!" Miller said.
She closed the session, saying, "God wants us to help others, and he wants to use us even when we are scared, sad, or hurt."
Students dramatized the parable in the presence of their peers and volunteers.
"Volunteering at Delta Missions has been so rewarding and fulfilling for me. It has allowed me to share my faith and knowledge to help children learn their self-worth in Jesus Christ. I feel I am making a difference in these young people's lives," Miller said.
"Delta Missions continues to reach many youth and families through its outreach ministry programs for youth and adults. This ministry has touched hundreds in the Delta area through adult Bible study, vacation Bible school, senior citizen outreach, clothes closet ministry, and Christmas adoption, to name a few," shared Rev. Herron Wilson, the program director.
"I am thankful for Mrs. Miller and countless other volunteers who play important roles in helping Delta MIssions reach people for Christ. These volunteers make a huge impact on the lives of our children. I'm sure their lessons will follow the kids throughout their lives," said Wilson.
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