Religion Passes By. Christ Saves.

(Luke 10:30-35)

The following passage is a portion of the answer that Christ gave to the following question, "Master, what shall I do to inherit eternal life?"

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. And by chance there came down a certain priest that way: and when he saw him, he passed by on the other side. And likewise a Levite, when he was at the place, came and looked on him, and passed by on the other side. But a certain Samaritan, as he journeyed, came where he was: and when he saw him, he had compassion on him, 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. 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.

Luke 10:30-35

The half dead man represents all mankind prior to salvation. The priest represents ceremonial religion. The Levite represents legalistic or moral religion. The Samaritan represents Jesus Christ.

Man must recognize that he is "half-dead" (physically alive but spiritually dead).

Ceremonial religion will leave him in his dire condition - doing nothing to help, not even going near him, but simply passing by at a distance.

Legalism or moral religion will do the exact same thing, showing no mercy or compassion and leaving him alone in his mortal condition.

But Jesus Christ has compassion and goes to him, personally attending to his wounds, providing costly remedies and a safe place to stay; sacrificially caring for him at his own expense.

Neither is there salvation in any other:

for there is none other name under heaven given among men,

whereby we must be saved.

Acts 4:12