It’s story time!

I’ve always loved stories—whether true or fictional, realistic or wildly imaginative. Stories have a unique way of lodging themselves in our memories and resurfacing just when we need them most.

More broadly, stories are powerful teaching tools. We’re far more likely to remember a principle or understand a concept when it’s wrapped in a compelling narrative.

Jesus understood this deeply, which is why He so often taught using stories. They’re called parables, and we can find over 40 of them in the Gospels.

Over the next 30 days, we’ll explore four of Jesus’ most well-known parables, beginning with the Good Samaritan, found in Luke 10:25-37.

In the parable, a man is attacked while travelling from Jerusalem to Jericho. While he’s robbed, beaten, stripped, and left half-dead, three people passed by: a priest, a Levite, and a Samaritan. The first two would have been considered holy and Godly men by Jesus’ Jewish audience, and yet they do not stop when they see the victim. The third one, a Samaritan, would have been seen as an outcast, but he stopped and helped the man.

A great place to start when unpacking a Biblical story is by asking: Where do I see myself in this? There are three main characters to identify with:

1. The Victim. Are you feeling beaten down or neglected? Take those feelings to God. Are there Good Samaritans in your life you can reach out to for help?
2. The Priest and the Levite. Do you feel like you’re a “pretty good Christian”? You know the Bible, pray regularly, and have been going to church for years? Perhaps you’ve been a bit too preoccupied with your great life. Ask God to open your eyes to the needs around you.
3. The Samaritan. Do you feel like an outcast? Misunderstood? Does it seem like those around you always expect the worst of you or avoid you altogether? God sees you! He knows your heart.

Hey! You are a Chamatkar.

Jenny Mendes

P.S. The texts of this reading plan come from the daily email "Chamatkar Every Day." If you'd like to receive a daily encouraging email, I invite you to subscribe here.