Call Us: 423 661-4734 | Email: requests@comeandreason.com      
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.

Email me the blog whenever a new one is published.

Donate online, securely via PayPal using your credit or debit card (no PayPal account needed, unless you want to set up a monthly, recurring payment).


cancel recurring payment

 

Want to use zelle instead?
See how on our
Support and Donations page.

Upcoming Events

calendar

Testimonial Post Slider

Testimony 23

I would just like to add my voice to the many people who, I believe, must have contacted you to express their appreciation for the “Healing the Mind” DVDs. I’ve been listening to your Bible study class discussions for many years and I’ve been personally blessed by your research and teaching about the character of God.

L. G., Oakland, MI, USA

 

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 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

 

Testimony 71

When I was 9 years old, I remember setting at our devotional table with a hunger and thirst for God that wanted more, deeper, BETTER. I can remember literally crying and pounding on the table, “I know these teachers didn’t mean to give us error. They taught what THEY had been TAUGHT, but didn’t ANYBODY READ THE BOOK?!?!?” It mattered to me then. It mattered to me as a teenager. It matters now as I teach bible classes. It didn’t have to be so hard as I watched so many give up and lay God’s great plan and gift of salvation aside as being “impossible.” Then, a friend sent me a link to Come And Reason’s website. I grew excited. YES! FINALLY! Then another friend told me to stay away, saying her son had just broken up with a girl because she was involved with Come And Reason and that “Tim Jennings preaches a false gospel.” But, AFTER many years of developing an authentic and, dare I say FUN relationship with Jesus, through the Holy Spirit I see this message has been around a LONG time, since the apostle Paul, Ellen White, Graham Maxwell, Ray Foucher, and yourself (though I admit, you’ve made me back up, rewind and replay the clips, and get out my well-worn Bible on a few things.) I’m so thankful I have found LIGHT during these DARK days. I am not alone.

Vicki DiNitto

Testimony 24

I wanted to thank you very much for presenting your understanding of God. I’ve always been troubled by this question: Why did Jesus have to die? Since my conversion I understood that The Father & Jesus are one, I did not have issues with that. But was there not any other way to save us than for Jesus to die? I guess I actually had a question about God – if He is so wise, how come He did not find another way? I did not see the real ‘beauty’  in the cross. Only when you explained the picture in the medical context, Jesus providing medicine for my selfishness, have I started to finally ‘see the light’. Thank you so much. Your seminar, “Healing the Mind,” are absolutely marvelous & have shared them with my family and many other people, including colleagues at work. Thanks, thanks, thanks. May God bless you abundantly in your ministry.

M. W., Australia

 

Testimony 52

Your unique way in spreading the truth is what we all need today. Most of us don’t recognize the contamination coming from all the lies and selfishness in the world. Because of our fear of death, we forgot how to live. Lies left and right. I was losing hope and faith, because of so many ideas that are always contradicting each other – so many questions answered by other, more complicated, questions – until I found your channel on YouTube.

You did not just give me answers, you also taught me how to answer new questions that arise in my mind. Now I see things differently. I see God’s mercy, grace, and Love everywhere, in spite of all the chaos that we all have done as humans. I don’t fear death anymore. Accepting the Truth and Love about God is truly a genuine Freedom from all the confusions, sufferings, selfishness, pain, and death.

I just wanted to say, thank you, sooooo much for revealing the real Remedy for our infected life. I have a new hope and now see the world in a different perspective!

Wheinny P., University Place, WA, USA

 

Testimony 65

I have been tuning into your weekly study classes for a while now and wanted express my appreciation for the teachings that ha been a huge blessing in opening up the true message of the word. Viewing scripture under an imposed law theory always, without fail, raised more questions, concerns, and conflicting scripture interpretations that were discouraging at the very least. Looking at scripture through the design law lens has brought more truth to light for me personally and an understanding of our Heavenly Father that places Him “above all others,” where I am now more than thrilled to witness and serve Him.  I “stumbled” across this ministry a year or so ago and would only watch a few minutes at a time. But the more I listened and the longer I paid attention, the more my spiritual eyes were opened to the ever present truths of scripture. The comprehension of the great controversy and it’s origin by the lies perpetrated and perpetuated throughout the Bible on the attack of God’s character and government is truly priceless. Keep up the Good Work! Your servanthood is desperately needed in such a time as this!

Jeff D., Reading, MA, USA

 

Testimony 10

I personally download and listen to each of Come And Reason Ministries Bible study class lessons and PDF study notes to use when teaching my class. Really appreciate the class especially when Dr. Jennings is teaching. Thank God there are persons like him doing His work and traveling to share His beliefs.

B. L.M., North Plains, OR, USA

 

Testimony 18

The Healing the Mind DVD set tarted me on a journey that has changed my relationship with our loving God more significantly than any other study, and brought me to your book and Bible study podcasts, which I now listen to daily, thanks to the availability of archived content on your site and on iTunes.

Anonymous

 

Testimony 11

I would love to have a copy of “Healing the Mind” DVDs to have in my therapy office. I enjoy having clients check out materials to enhance their therapy experience. I have sat under Dr. Jennings’ teaching at an American Association of Christian Counselors convention and respect his work greatly.

K.B., LA, USA

 

Testimony 25

I just want to say thank you so much for your conversations via YouTube. I regularly tune in to your lectures, “Let’s Talk” sessions, and many others. Through these I’ve found greater depth and meaning to God’s word. Thanks for all that you do and please continue. I’m currently working in the middle of Silicon Valley at Stanford University. I feel like God really has me in the right place right now and I’m sensing that your teachings might be part of it.

B. F., Silicon Valley, CA, USA

 

Testimony 54

I had a lot of pressure, as a pastor’s kid, to conform and be “good.” I was good at being “good.” I thought my life was going along well until it all started falling apart and I could not figure out why! In my search for “why is this happening to me, God?” I came across your book, “Could it be this Simple,” and God started revealing to me the many distortions I held about His character, His principles, and how He has designed His universe to operate. I remember thinking, “Wow, I have had this all backwards.” I was happy and angry all at the same time. Happy to have the light of truth break through the darkness, revealing a wonderful, beautiful way of understanding God and His plan for His children, and angry, because I felt deceived and cheated by the church, my family, and myself!

My heart thrills when I listen to your bible study lessons. Literally I have gone from death to life. It is a journey I look forward to every day, as God reveals areas this distortion affects. Praise GOD! I will ever be grateful to God for this ministry and your cooperation with the Spirit!

Karen S., Portal, AZ, USA

 

Testimony 47

I can’t even begin to thank you and your ministry enough for introducing me to the Truth about a loving and merciful God! I have my daughter and her in-laws to thank for sharing with me “The God-Shaped Brain” as well as your website. I listen to the Bible study class lessons on my daily walk. May God continue to bless your thirst-quenching ministry!

Liz H., Port Angeles, WA, USA

 

 

Testimony 57

You have helped make sense of thirty two years of confusion. The material you freely provide reorganized so much of my life into such a beautiful pattern that has always been hinted at from within, but misguided with my training and what I was experiencing externally. My filipno parents, who were converted from Catholicism to SDA, were sincere and did their best to raise me the right way and I have deep respect for them. However, being immigrants and not understanding the language made for a difficult transition as I was growing up, which also applied to my spiritual growth as I learned the patterns of religion. I have been listening to as many bible study classes and reading blog posts as my time in a work truck will allow, searching for the practical applications of where spirituality and reality meet, and I thank you for helping me find that. You have helped me reach a point in which I can truly say that I love God, that I believe He loves me, and, like David, I delight in His law. God bless.

Emmanuel V., Calgary, AB Canada

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