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How Jesus Treated the Samaritans and Lessons for Today

How Jesus Treated the Samaritans and Lessons for Today

The Samaritans are most likely the mixed remnants of the ten northern tribes of Israel and other groups conquered by the Assyrians in 722 BC.

According to Wikipedia, a small group of Samaritans numbering less than a couple thousand still persist today. They are considered by some in Israel to be Jews; by others, they are considered a separate group. They also have distinct beliefs from the Jews, some of which are:

  • They believe in only the first five books of the Bible, written by Moses, and in a different version of the book of Joshua.
  • They believe that the high priest Eli was a scammer and false priest who made a counterfeit ark of the covenant and created a false worship center at Shiloh to keep people from worshiping at the true center in Mount Gerizim.
  • They believe the messiah has not yet been born.
  • While they believe that the promised messiah would come through Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob, they do not believe he would come through Judah. Instead, they believe he will be a descendant of Joseph; this is likely because the Samaritans are thought to be descendants of Joseph’s two sons, Ephraim and Manasseh.
  • They believe that when their messiah, whom they call the Taheb, comes, he will be a prophet like Moses and prophesy/lead for 40 years; that he will bring all true Israelites back to the Promised Land, and then the resurrection will happen; that he will find the original tent of meeting constructed by Moses on Mt. Gerizim and then he will die and be buried on that mountain.
  • They observe the weekly Sabbath from Friday sunset to Saturday sunset and observe all the feast days described in Leviticus.
  • They have their own high priest.
  • They believe Mt. Gerizim is the most holy site.
  • Most important, this group, like the Jews, denies that Jesus Christ is the Messiah.

Most Jewish religious leaders through history, including in Christ’s day, believed that the Samaritan religion was a false one, a counterfeit of what God gave through Moses and His prophets.

While I agree with this conclusion, the question I want to ask today is: How did Jesus treat the Samaritans?

Did Jesus condemn them because they were caught up in a system of beliefs that were erroneous in many ways? Did Jesus refuse to present the truth to them because they had a different understanding of the Bible and the instructions contained in it?

What does Jesus’ parable of the Good Samaritan tell us regarding what Jesus thought about their divergent doctrines? In the story, there was the injured person and the Levite, Jewish priest, and Samaritan. Who did Jesus intend to convey was the one right with God? The Samaritan—yet He would also have agreed that the Samaritan held many erroneous doctrinal beliefs and failed to do the correct religious instructions, sacrifice in the right way, pay tithe to the right organization, etc. But how could the Samaritan be right with God while holding to erroneous doctrinal beliefs and doing the wrong religious activities?

Conversely, to the listening audience, the Levite and priest both would have been regarded as holding the correct doctrinal beliefs and engaging in the correct religious practices—paying tithe to the right organization, sacrifice in the right place and the right way, etc.—yet Jesus inferred that they were not right with God. How can it be that in their believing the right doctrines and doing the right behaviors, these men were not right with God?

Being Righteous

Well, what makes one right with God? The Bible is clear—it is being reborn to have fear and selfishness replaced with God’s law of love, to love God with all one’s being and others as oneself.

What about today? In your church organization, what has been the emphasis on what makes one right with God? Is it on believing the correct doctrines; paying tithe to the right organization; getting baptized in the right way, with the right words, by the right authorized person; doing communion in the right way; going to church on the right day; etc.?

Or is the emphasis on having a right heart attitude and living lives that demonstrate a love for God, others, and truth and, thus, have a willingness to be corrected and follow unfolding truth as our infinite God of truth reveals it to us? Didn’t the Samaritans embrace Jesus and the truth He revealed by asking Him to stay longer with them? (John 4:39–41). Their response revealed that their hearts were open to truth and were longing to advance in the truth.

But the Jewish leaders were hardened against truth because they were defending their own doctrinal beliefs, orthodoxy, and practices. The Bible describes those who are lost as not loving the truth—they love their religion, doctrines, ceremonies, and organization utmost, so they resist advancing truth that would call them to change their doctrines, ceremonies, and practices (2 Thessalonians 2:10).

Those who hold to doctrines and ceremonies often reject truth that would change their current beliefs or their religious practices—ending up as enemies of God and their fellow humans under the guise of being godly. We see this all through the Reformation as the orthodoxy police persecuted those advancing biblical truth.

What does Jesus’ attitude toward the Samaritans tell us about the things they and the Jews fought over? When the Samaritan woman at the well tried to raise such religious disputes, Jesus said:

Believe me, dear woman, the place where one worships God is not important; it is the condition of the heart of the worshiper that matters. Very soon, you will worship the Father neither on this mountain nor in Jerusalem. You Samaritans worship a confusing tradition of rituals that does not enlighten the mind and have no ability to heal the worshiper; we worship the Creator God, and our minds are enlightened and healed by him because all he asks of us is sensible and reasonable. The plan to heal humanity from the infection of selfishness and sin is provided through the Jews. The time has now come that all true worshipers will worship the Father with an intelligent and reasonable understanding of who he is, respecting, admiring and loving the truth about his nature, character, and methods. These understanding worshipers are the kind the Father seeks. God is intelligent and reasonable, and his worshipers must worship him intelligently and reasonably, appreciating and valuing the truth of God’s methods and principles (John 4:21–24 REM).

What was it that the Samaritans needed? Was the saving message for the Samaritans different than what the Jews needed? What about the rest of the world?

That’s why Jesus said to His disciples:

But you will receive power when the Holy Spirit comes on you; and you will be my witnesses in Jerusalem, and in all Judea and Samaria, and to the ends of the earth (Acts 1:8 NIV84).

The true gospel message is the exact same message for every human being, whether Jew or gentile, black or white, free or slave, man or woman, for we are all suffering from the same sin-sickness and all need the same Remedy—Jesus Christ!

As a follower of Jesus Christ, look past the superficial—past race, past national origin, past denomination, past ritual and ceremony, past creed—and see reality for what it is. Every single human being born into the world is born infected with the terminal sin condition inherited from Adam and Eve (Psalm 51:5), and every single person needs the same healing Remedy of Christ. Let people know they are loved, valued, cherished, and that in Jesus, there is real healing for their hearts, minds, and souls. This is the message that the world needs. This is the truth that sets minds free. This is the truth that unites hearts in the bonds of eternal love.

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Testimony 36

Thank you and may God continue to bless you as you share with others the intricacies of how we are all “fearfully and wonderfully made”. I must share that you have opened a whole new world to me, and I have found tremendous healing through what you have shared in two of your books, “Could It Be This Simple?” and “The God Shaped Brain.” I praise God for what you shared, what I have learned, and how I have grown and healed! My prayer is that My Precious Jesus will be seen by others in the way I live, act, talk, etc. and they may be encouraged to know He is truly a GREAT God of LOVE, desiring that no one should perish! God Bless you in your continued endeavors to present Him as He really is!

Joleen H. GA, USA

 

Testimony 41

I have been blessed by your ministry. I have experienced personally, and deeply resonate with, the God of love and the beautiful picture of God’s character that you present. I have seen your seminar series on YouTube, read ‘The Journal of the Watcher’ book, used your mobile app, and also listen/study the bible study lesson with you each week. I concur with many of the thoughts and perspectives that you share. I understand your conclusions on natural laws vs imposed law and the legal/penal substitution (incorrect diagnosis). This makes perfect sense to me.

Bless you for all you do.

Melissa L.

 

Testimony 17

The blessings of clarity and understanding you and your class inspire me to take from the word of God have impressed upon me so greatly the true, loving character of our Creator. I have found amazing freedom and joy through building a stronger, more intentional relationship with Him. What is new is that this is now a relationship built on love, reverence and respect rather than fear and obligation, and as such my eyes have been slammed OPEN as I am continually impressed by the manifestations of God’s true character in His provisions for fallen man.

T.E.H., Salt Lake City, UT, USA

 

Testimony 64

I’ve been reading the bible and walking with Jesus since I was around 16. I’m 42 now. I’ve mostly been alone in my walk although I went to several churches in different denominations. For the past 3 years God has been showing me His character of agape. It’s been a blessing and changed how I view God and my walk with Jesus. About a year ago I came across the power of love and the principles of design law. These teachings changed how I read scripture and have been such a beautiful blessing. I’m very excited and grateful for these truths. We share these truths of agape, design law and the reality of the principles of the two trees in the garden of Eden with people on Facebook and YouTube. People all over are learning to trust God and His agape design law which makes life possible. Thank you for everything you shared with me. May God continue to bless your ministry and lives.

Bradley M., Hinsdale, NY, USA

 

Testimony 38

Since November 2015, when I started studying Gods word from this God Is Love point of view, my life has been transformed. My troubled marriage of 15 years has been healed and my husband and I are truly happy for the first time in 15 years. Now When I read the word of God I understand it so much better and I can’t help but see Gods love radiating through the pages to humanity. Gods word is living and active and I am blessed beyond measure to be having this amazing experience. God has given me a beautiful understanding of Jn 3:16 that amazes me more and more each day. Thank you again for your ministry.

Helen D., London, England

 

Testimony 72

I am blown away by the truth that you present. God’s Design Law makes so much sense! You have validated my impression that, if God is love, He would not kill those who don’t want to know him. If God gives us choice, then how can He destroy us if our choice is not to follow him. Thank you for opening my eyes and heart to the pure love of God seen through Jesus. The love I now have for Jesus is deeper and free from condemnation. My heart has been opened to love others as Jesus loves me. May God continue to bless your God-given insight into His word and your ministry. The truth has set me free!

H. Miller, Centereach, NY

Testimony 28

I have been following your Bible study class for about a year now. I must say I am impressed with how your ministry has grown. I took it upon myself to listen to all your lesson podcasts from the past and they have both enriched me physically, mentally, emotionally and spiritually. I have learnt a lot from this class. I have also noticed how the class has grown in spiritual strength. One of the things that benefited me is that now I am not afraid of God. I use to be, but now it has melted away. The second thing is that you helped me to have a real life relationship with God. Now He is my friend that was always there and I love having him with me all the time. Thirdly, because of this class, it inspired me to take over and lead a class. I have called it “Let Us Reason Together,” adapting your inquisitive style and creating a class of free thinkers.

T. Banda, Malawi, Africa

 

Testimony 6

I got the book “Could It Be This Simple?” a few months ago and the reading was wonderful and I was fascinated. I lent the book to a friend at work. She is having a difficult time and the book is helping her to find Jesus and I found this very exciting. She has asked me questions and I can see her life changing.

H. S., Australia

 

Testimony 32

The message [of Come And Reason Ministries is] for all Christians (and those who may become Christians) and not just Adventists or any other group. It is difficult to imagine why any [anyone] with intellectual and spiritual honesty could find fault with the way you explained the healing substitution concepts and the truth about God’s character, though I know some will reject and criticize. On behalf of those in our group near Tacoma, WA, thank you and your staff for all of the hard work and for sharing the Gospel in this manner. God’s message of healing love will be carried to the whole world and then Jesus will come – He promised it.

Terry U., Tacoma, WA, USA

 

Testimony 30

God lead me to your book “The God-Shaped Brain” while I was searching for another book about the brain and then to your interview about your book on HeartWise Ministries [where] I found out about [Come And Reason Ministries]. I’m now devouring the webcasts of your Bible studies. I have been so greatly blessed and I thank God so much for your courage to speak the Truth in love no matter what. Listening to you contrast the two opposing systems (laws) and digging deep to unearth the hidden treasures in the Bible makes me so incredibly happy and I feel very blessed to be part of your Bible Study Group although I live far away. I am just so excited that there is a group of people that is spreading the Truth about the character of God and it saddens me how few realize what our Father in Heaven is really like.

Kessy B., Australia

 

Testimony 49

I came into the church at 21, but that is as far as it went. I was so confused about what love is. I couldn’t find it in the bible, because I am not a person that can read between the lines. I have no logic. I have read many, many books; trying to figure out the crux of the matter. They were helpful, but something was still missing. I have become very frustrated to the point of crying out to God, “Where can I go?”  I needed some basics.

I found two books, written by Timothy Jennings, MD, to be very helpful. God showed me that I had lived my whole life in fear. I didn’t even see it. Now, I do. God is so good.  I discovered the “The Remedy”  Dr. Jennings new book, “The God-Shaped Heart!” Oh, I was so excited, I purchased them right away.

I can get rid of most of my books, because “The Remedy” brings the Love of God out so clearly, even I can’t miss it. Now, I want to sit and read my Bible. Wow, what a revelation! It is just simply Awesome! I am so grateful to Jehovah Almighty for hearing my prayer for more understanding! I am so encouraged!

Jackie S.

 

Testimony 59

I’m a native Ghanan, but am currently in France for my master’s degree. Prior to this, during my final years at undergraduate studies in Ghana, I was introduced to your ministry and I’ve been immensely blessed by what you share, especially about the Design and Imposed Laws. God richly bless you for that.

One of the first things I did when I arrived in France was to buy all four of your books. They not only helped me, but those I shared them with. I shared the message with an atheist student and I marveled at how God worked mightily in his life. Today this person shares the Love of God with others and debunks theories of who God is not. I want to share what you present in your “Heavenly Sanctuary and Investigative Judgment” pamphlet, because the message brought rest to my soul and I live today as a healthy person.

God bless you so much and your ministry.

Michael A., Ghana

 

Testimony 45

I have been confused for years about what [christianity] calls [its] most disgusting teaching. It has never made much sense to me and for that reason has been evermore empty. I have listened to your class off and on and have struggled determining what is truth, because of the resistance design law encounters in the church. So, I thank God for your ministry. What you teach makes sense. It’s logical and backed up by the power of love. I have never seen that in Christ until now. I am astounded by the insight that is found when we look at God’s ministry through design law. All strength to this message, as I believe it to be the power of God.

Brendon S.

 

Testimony 53

I was so blessed by a friend who gave me your book, “The God Shaped Brain,” while I was sitting in church asking God to please help me learn more about Him and help me not to be so confused and scared. That was about 2 years ago. Your books have helped me to love God even more. I’m not confused or scared anymore! I have listened to all of your bible study classes and feel like I know the wonderful people that attend every week. Thank you for all that you’re doing in spreading the true message about God and His law of love. God bless you and your whole class.

Elssy P., Modesto, CA, USA

 

Testimony 5

We listen to your bible studies lessons in our class in Montana. You actually were the main reason I decided to get a laptop, so I can go to your site and listen, read, learn, and print the class notes. I am so grateful to learn the correct view of God and his character. Now, to just have others have an interest in knowing, so I can share it with them. Good thoughts your way.

R. N., MT, USA