No name, just a description.

Luke 10:25-37

One of the most well know parables is Jesus telling about the good Samaritan.  Many a sermon  has been preached on it and many a book written about the incident.  Thousands of years later what one man did for another is still remembered.  If someone acts likewise they are called, “Good Samaritan”.  Still, no one knows the good Samaritan’s name.  Jesus often left out what we as humans would consider a significant fact.  (One of my favorite “omissions” is the one where He knelt and wrote in the sand as they wanted to stone the woman.  Ever wonder what did He write?)

Jesus left out details so we would focus on the point of the parable.  We know what the man was (a Samaritan)  and what kind of man he was (compassionate, caring, sacrificial). This was what Jesus wanted us to focus on, not who he was (name).

Matthew 6: 1-4

1) “Beware of practicing your righteousness before men to be noticed by them; otherwise you have no reward with your Father who is in heaven.  2) So when you give to the poor, do not sound a trumpet before you, as the hypocrites do in the synagogues and in the streets, so that they may be honored by men. Truly I say to you, they have their reward in full. 3) But when you give to the poor, do not let your left hand know what your right hand is doing, 4) so that your giving will be in secret; and your Father who sees what is done in secret will reward you.”

Jesus knew the heart of man.  He knew how we can seek our own glory and reward.  Sadly, as  you look at social media, there are so many that have forgotten what He taught in this parable.  I wonder if no one knew what was done and by who, if it would be done.  I wonder if many would do what they do if it only brought glory to God.