We stopped at a place known as the Museum of the Good Samaritan. This was a beautiful place in the middle of the wilderness. This museum and buildings would have been located on the "blood ascent," a very dangerous road between Jerusalem and Jericho. It was dangerous because it was littered with bandits. You never traveled this road alone. It is amazing the Jews would choose this road to travel to Galilee instead of going through Samaria. It was further and more dangerous, but they were blinded by their prejudice toward the Samaritans.
There were some great mosaics here and after doing some additional reading the place was more than likely a way station for travelers. The building itself dates to the Byzantine period and was known as the Church of the Good Samaritan. There are also remnants of dwellings from the first century.
During a really hot afternoon, in the outdoor chapel, we had a really nice communion service. I always enjoy communion, breaking bread, and sharing the cup. I don't do it as often as I should. Sharing communion with these fellow believers, a group that developed into a close family, was special in so many ways.
After I had time to sit down and reflect on the story of the Good Samaritan and our visit to this place, I had a few special thoughts about our trip. Below is the complete story:
'And he said, “He who showed mercy on him.” Then
Jesus said to him, “Go and do likewise.” So which of
these three do you think was neighbor to him who fell
among the thieves?” On the next day, when he departed,
he took out two denarii, gave them to the innkeeper, and
said to him, ‘Take care of him; and whatever more you
spend, when I come again, I will repay you.’ So he went to
him and bandaged his wounds, pouring on oil and wine;
and he set him on his own animal, brought him to an inn,
and took care of him. But a certain Samaritan, as he
journeyed, came where he was. And when he saw him, he
had compassion. Likewise a Levite, when he arrived at the
place, came and looked, and passed by on the other side.
Now by chance a certain priest came down that road. And
when he saw him, he passed by on the other side. Then
Jesus answered and said: “A certain man went down from
Jerusalem to Jericho, and fell among thieves, who stripped
him of his clothing, wounded him, and departed, leaving
him half dead. But he, wanting to justify himself, said to
Jesus, “And who is my neighbor?” And He said to him,
“You have answered rightly; do this and you will live.” So
he answered and said, “ ‘You shall love the Lord your God
with all your heart, with all your soul, with all your strength,
and with all your mind,’ and ‘your neighbor as yourself.’ ”
He said to him, “What is written in the law? What is your
reading of it? ” And behold, a certain lawyer stood up and
tested Him, saying, “Teacher, what shall I do to inherit
eternal life?”' Luke 10:25-37 (NKJV)
As I thought about this day and this trip in general, I wanted to make a comment on the hospitality of the people. Just before this stop, we ate at a restaurant in Jericho and spent some time shopping there as well. I can say without hesitation that the people of Israel including the people of the Palestinian West Bank were so kind and friendly. I have traveled to several foreign countries and I can tell you from personal experience not everyone treats visitors with such kindness. In reality, many of these people live a life of oppression and conflict. (More about this in another blog.) Yet, they were always helpful and understanding. They were always willing to engage in friendly light-hearted talk and were fun to be around. We spent many a night at ice cream shops along our route. When we paid with our American Currency, we were always treated fairly. (being a math guy, I checked!) They really could have made a little extra profit on the "American Tourists," but I never experienced this.
When we arrived at each hotel, we were treated as valued guests. There was nothing they would not do for us. Ok, I get it. We were spending a lot of money with them as a group. But, I never saw a hint of annoyance with our group anywhere we traveled.
Would they be treated the same if they visited our hometowns or would we be more like the Priest and Levite in the story? In a time of so much conflict in our nation, I think we have forgotten one of the most important witnesses to the Gospel message. Hospitality! Being kind, welcoming, and friendly, to people of all races, ethnic backgrounds, religions, sexual orientations, or lifestyles, is not popular in our society. The people of the West Bank are a prime example of how people can rise above their oppression and still be kind to others. I wonder how our nation would change if we made it a priority to be kind and courteous to the people we disagree with. I wonder how different Facebook would look if instead of posting our political views, we would seek out ways of being kind to others?
A big thank you to the Palestinian people for being such a good example to all of us!
The wilderness surrounds us while visiting this site. It is very intimidating and i cannot imagine traveling here in the first century.
Absolutely beautiful Mosaics were found at nearly every site we visited. Putting these together had to be such a tedious task. But, here they are, over a thousand years later, still viewed by so many travelers.
This is the outdoor chapel we share shared communion!
The view toward Bethlehem and Jerusalem!
People have traveled this road for thousands of years and many dwelt here in the caves.
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