Editorial December 10, 1938 Issue

"In spirit and in truth"

George Shaw Cook

When Jesus sent forth the twelve disciples, he warned them as follows: "Go not into the way of the Gentiles, and into any city of the Samaritans enter ye not." This warning was probably due in part to the fact that Jesus felt the Gentiles were not, at the moment, ready to receive the message of Christ-healing. Furthermore, he was aware of the controversy between the Jews and the Samaritans which had continued for years.

The foregoing facts make all the more pointed the lesson to be drawn from the Master's parable of the good Samaritan. Even a despised Samaritan, he pointed out to his hearers, could be kinder and more compassionate than the self-righteous priests and Levites of his own people. But the Master taught that goodness, kindness, consideration, and brotherly love are qualities which all may and should express.

After healing the ten lepers, he emphasized the fact that the only one who returned to glorify God, and to give him thanks for his healing, was a Samaritan. He said, "There are not found that returned to give glory to God, save this stranger." And the record shows that "this stranger" was a Samaritan.

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