Years ago, some researchers decided to find out if Seminary Students are “Good Samaritans.”
They met individually with 40 ministerial students under the pretense of “doing a study” on “careers in the church.”
Each student was instructed to walk to a nearby building and deliver an impromptu talk where they would be video-taped…
Some were told to talk on the “Good Samaritan parable,” while others were told to talk about their “career concerns” for the future.
Meanwhile, the researchers “planted an actor” along the path who – as a seminarian approached, groaned and slumped collapsing to the ground.
Yep, it was a complete and total setup.
They found that “more than half” of the students walked right on by!
The researchers noted, “Some who were planning their dissertation on the Good Samaritan – quite literally stepped over the slumped body as they hurried along.
People were aghast to hear the report of these findings…Imagine…Seminary students…Future ministers.
How could they be so hard – hearted?
How could they be so cruel? How could they be so uncaring and mean? Most people thought it was just terrible.
Again most people hearing of it responded by saying, “I would never do that!”
In their final analysis the researchers decided that those students actually represented “most of us.”
Not all of us. But, most of us…
They were so preoccupied with themselves and the immediate pressure that they faced to deliver a talk –they did not see the “obvious need” of this man laying directly in their pathway.
But this story is really truly only useful – if we place ourselves in the role of those seminary students.
Would you have stopped? Would you have helped? Would you have called for help?
I think most of us would like to “think” that “WE WOULD.” Because – that is the kind of people we are! That’s how we were raised! We would help those in need! Or at least we like “TO THINK” we would!
What if the actor was dressed as a dirty, smelly homeless person?
Would that make a difference?
What if the actor was a big bulky tough looking person of a different race?
Would that hold you back?
What if the actor were the opposite sex?
What if the actor had been acting in an odd manner – that left you with the impression they were mentally ill or unstable or challenged? You know…a little bit scary…around the edges?
What if you were preoccupied or late and your mind was elsewhere?
What if your children or grandchildren were with you?
What if it was night?
The point being we can rationalize any excuse that we want.
It was too cold to stop.
It was too hot to stop.
I was not feeling well myself.
Surely someone else will stop.
Obviously these seminarians did not see the actor as Jesus would have seen him. So how was it that Jesus saw people?
First off he saw them as individuals.
He saw them as they were. He saw them as being troubled, distressed or vexed. He saw them in need. He saw them as being helpless and forsaken. He saw them as being vulnerable.
He looked at them compassionately!
No one was ever a bother. No one was ever in the way. No one was less important…or of less value. Jesus did not have a million and one excuses.
Unfortunately, TODAY we hear all the horror stories of good Samaritans who get beaten and robbed for attempting to stop and help someone out. Or of the car-jackings that occur…
Our world has made us grow leery and weary. Many today are afraid to help. I think it is a sad commentary on – where we are today as a society.
Jesus saw people without prejudice and through the eyes of unconditional love. I wonder if he ever got taken? I wonder if he ever “felt used.”
The disciples on the other hand, are on the record time and time again, as wanting to send the people away.
Jesus saw the need and responded in kind. Now, what about you?