3.
The Unseen Hand in Joseph's Journey: Lessons in
Character and Providence
4.
Lord, When Did We Visit You in Prison?
5. Lessons Beyond the Return: The Parable of the
Prodigal Son
Teaching: "The Compassion of the Outcast: Living the Parable of
the Good Samaritan"
In the bustling rhythm of our daily lives, we often encounter scenes
of need and suffering. Yet, so regularly, we pass by—sometimes out
of fear, sometimes out of indifference. We turn to a parable that
Jesus told in Luke 10:25-37, one that still speaks to the very heart
of human interaction and divine expectation: the parable of the Good
Samaritan.
The Ignored Cry for Help
In the parable, a man lay wounded by the roadside, a victim of
robbers, left to languish in his pain. The road from Jerusalem to
Jericho was a treacherous one, a place where many walked, including,
as Jesus tells us, a priest and a Levite. These were men of status,
of religious significance, expected to embody the law and compassion
of God. Yet, when faced with suffering, they crossed to the other
side. They chose the path of inaction—a silent refusal to engage
with the anguish laid bare before their eyes.
The Unlikely Hero
It was a Samaritan, a figure of disdain and prejudice in the eyes of
the Jews, who saw the wounded man and was moved with compassion.
Here was one considered an enemy, a social outcast, breaking the
barriers of deep-seated animosity to tend to a stranger's wounds.
The Samaritan not only stopped but also drew near. He dressed the
man’s injuries, showing mercy without hesitation or thought of
reward.
The Depth of Compassion
This Samaritan's empathy was not a mere gesture. It was a
commitment—a demonstration of true altruism. He placed the wounded
man on his donkey, brought him to an inn, and cared for him. And
when he had to leave, he paid for the man’s stay and promised to
cover any further costs. His compassion was not confined to the
moment but was a promise of continued care, a reflection of the
steadfast love that the Lord shows to each of us.
Compassion Born from Suffering
There’s a profound truth revealed here: often, those who have known
suffering are the quickest to aid others in their distress. The
Samaritan's own experience of rejection and pain may have honed a
sensitivity within him—a deep well of compassion from which he could
draw when confronted with another's pain. His actions call us to a
life of empathy, urging us to remember our own moments of need and
respond to others from that place of understanding.
As we reflect on the parable of the Good Samaritan, let us embrace
the challenge set before us. It is a call to be vigilant in our
watch for the wounded, to be swift in our steps toward the hurting,
and to be generous in our care for the broken. It is an invitation
to move beyond the boundaries of societal expectations and to act
out of a heart transformed by Christ’s love.
Let us be moved by the Spirit to see those who are suffering, not as
interruptions to our day, but as appointments made by God. May we,
like the Samaritan, become people who refuse to walk by. May we be
the ones who draw near, who serve selflessly, who love
extravagantly—regardless of cost or convenience.
Beloved, let the ministry of the Good Samaritan be alive in us. Let
us cross the road, in both the literal and metaphorical sense, to
offer healing and hope. For in doing so, we truly live out the
gospel of our Lord Jesus Christ. Let us go and do likewise.
* * * * *
Teaching: "At the Well of Grace: The Encounter with the Samaritan
Woman"
In the arid heat of a Samaritan noon, by the ancient well of Jacob,
a divine appointment was set for an encounter that would forever
change the life of an outcast woman and through her, the lives of
many others. In John 4:5-30, we are invited to draw close to this
well, to witness the compassion of Christ for the marginalized, and
to be reminded of our own calling to seek out the lost and the
least.
The Intentional Journey
Jesus, weary from His travels, arrived at a Samaritan town called
Sychar. His journey was not accidental but a purposeful stride into
a land where Jews rarely ventured, to a people they typically
scorned. He sought out this well, this woman, at a time when no one
else would be there. In doing so, Jesus illustrated a powerful
truth: God actively seeks those society has pushed aside, those
burdened by sin and shamed into solitude.
The Radical Conversation
The Samaritan woman, drawing water alone, was startled by Jesus’
request for a drink. This simple ask broke through layers of
cultural and gender barriers. In their ensuing conversation, Jesus
gently unearthed the truth of her life—five husbands and the one she
was with was not her husband. Yet, there was no condemnation in His
voice, only an invitation to a life renewed—a life quenched by the
living water of God’s eternal Kingdom.
The Unveiling of Grace
This encounter reveals Jesus’ heart for the marginalized. He offered
the woman living water, a symbol of the grace and truth that He came
to bring to all people. Jesus declared to her, "True worshipers will
worship the Father in the Spirit and in truth" (John 4:23),
affirming that her past did not disqualify her from being in God's
presence. In doing so, He affirmed her worth and bestowed upon her
an identity that transcended her past.
The Transformational Impact
The woman at the well was so transformed by her encounter with Jesus
that she left her water jar behind—her former life—and went back to
her community, a place where she had been marginalized, to share
about the Messiah. Through her testimony, many came to believe in
Him. Her story is a testament to the transformative power of
Christ’s love when it reaches those who have been cast aside.
Called to Emulate Christ
Scripture calls us to follow Jesus' example, to seek out the lost
and to love the unlovable. In Matthew 25:40, Jesus says, "Truly I
tell you, whatever you did for one of the least of these brothers
and sisters of mine, you did for me." We are called to be agents of
His grace, reaching out to those who society overlooks, knowing that
they too can become vessels of His truth and love.
As followers of Christ, we are urged to reach beyond the confines of
our comfort, to wells where the marginalized draw water in
isolation. We are called to offer the living water of Christ, to see
in every face the image of God, and to ignite the flame of faith
where hope seems but a faint glimmer. Let us walk in the footsteps
of our Savior, seeking out the outcast, engaging with the shunned,
and loving the least. For in doing so, we participate in the sacred
work of redemption and witness the dawning of new life in the
Kingdom of Heaven, both here and now.
May we leave behind our jars—our prejudices, our comforts—and with
the compassion of Christ, go into the world to share the good news,
that many more might come to say, "We have heard for ourselves, and
we know that this is indeed the Savior of the world" (John 4:42).
* * * * *
Teaching: "The Unseen Hand in Joseph's Journey:
Lessons in Character and Providence"
Once, in the heart of ancient Canaan, there lived a young man named
Joseph, the favored son of Jacob, who wore a coat of many colors—a
gift that marked both privilege and peril. This coat, a symbol of
his father's love, ignited envy and hatred among his brothers.
Driven by jealousy, they conspired against him, throwing him into a
pit and selling him into slavery. Thus began Joseph's journey of
trials and transformations, a tale woven with threads of betrayal
and forgiveness, despair and hope.
In Egypt, Joseph's life was a spectrum of highs and lows. From the
depths of slavery to the heights of Potiphar’s household, his
integrity was constant. When falsely accused by Potiphar’s wife and
thrown into prison, Joseph's faith remained unshaken. It was in
these confines, surrounded by the despair of the forgotten, that
Joseph's character shone brightest. He interpreted dreams with
divine wisdom, never failing to credit God for his insights.
Genesis 50:20 reflects on Joseph’s journey, saying, “As for you, you
meant evil against me, but God meant it for good, to bring it about
that many people should be kept alive, as they are today.” This
verse captures the essence of Joseph's life—what was intended to
harm him, God transformed into a vessel for preservation and
blessing.
Amidst hardship, Joseph learned resilience. The trials that seemed
designed to break him were used by God to build a stronger
foundation of faith and wisdom in him. This was evident when he rose
from the depths of a dungeon to become the second most powerful man
in Egypt. With foresight given by God, Joseph prepared the nation
for seven years of famine, saving countless lives, including those
of the very brothers who had betrayed him.
Joseph’s story teaches us that our greatest trials can forge our
strongest virtues. It teaches humility and patience, as seen when
Joseph waited years for God’s plans to unfold, never once seeking
revenge against those who wronged him. His life is a testament to
the power of forgiveness and the importance of reconciliation, as he
ultimately forgave his brothers, understanding the broader purpose
behind his sufferings.
Romans 8:28 parallels this lesson, reminding us, “And we know that
in all things God works for the good of those who love him, who have
been called according to his purpose.” This encourages us that no
experience, no matter how bleak, is wasted. Each moment is
meticulously crafted by God to shape us into instruments of His
will, able to undertake great tasks and influence many lives.
Joseph's elevation from prisoner to prime minister was not just a
sudden shift in fortune but a divine appointment for a greater
mission. This illustrates that our circumstances can change
dramatically at any moment according to God’s timing, preparing us
for roles we never imagined.
In conclusion, Joseph's life is a narrative of hope amidst despair
and redemption through adversity. It teaches us that with faith, a
steadfast character, and an understanding of God's sovereignty, we
can not only endure but also thrive and fulfill our divine purpose.
Just as Joseph’s trials equipped him for his destiny, so too can our
challenges prepare us for greater blessings and opportunities to
serve others.
As we reflect on Joseph's story, consider the trials you face today.
Might they be preparing you for a higher purpose, as they did for
Joseph? Let us embrace our journeys with faith and courage, trusting
in God’s plan, knowing that what we endure today prepares us for the
promises of tomorrow.
* * * * *
Teaching: "Lord, When Did We Visit You in Prison?"
In the heart of our faith lies an enduring truth that every person
is precious in the eyes of the Lord. When we open the sacred pages
of Matthew 24:36, while it speaks about the uncertainty of the hour
of the Lord’s return, it beckons us to reflect on how we use our
time here on Earth. Today, we turn our hearts toward a calling that
is as challenging as it is profound: visiting those in prison.
Though not explicitly mentioned in this verse, the theme of
readiness in Matthew 24 leads us to consider how we fulfill Christ's
commands in all aspects of our lives, including the mandate to visit
the imprisoned as expressed in Matthew 25:36.
The Command to Care for the Imprisoned
Matthew 25:35-40 presents a vision of the final judgment, where the
righteous are surprised to learn that in caring for the needs of the
least of these, they were serving Christ Himself. Verse 36
specifically mentions visiting those in prison as an act of
righteousness that is noticed by God. Here, we are reminded of the
merciful nature of the Gospel. It is not only for the free but also
for those behind bars. We are called to be the hands and feet of
Jesus, to go into the dark corners of this world, and shine His
light.
The Example of Christ
Hebrews 13:3 urges us to remember those in prison as if we were
bound with them. Our Savior Himself was no stranger to confinement,
standing wrongfully accused, he was imprisoned before his
crucifixion. He entered into the fullness of human suffering, not
only to redeem it but also to relate to it. By visiting those in
prison, we are following the example of Christ who proclaimed
freedom for the captives (Luke 4:18).
The Power of Presence
The epistles are dotted with references to imprisonment—Paul wrote
some of his most powerful words from a prison cell. In Philemon,
Paul speaks affectionately of Onesimus, a runaway servant who became
“useful” while in chains with Paul. Paul's letters are not merely
theological treatises but are proof of the sustaining power of
Christian fellowship in places of despair. In visiting prisoners, we
affirm their humanity, offer hope, and stand in solidarity with
them, providing a powerful witness of God’s love.
A Ministry of Restoration
In 2 Corinthians 5:17-18, we are told that we are new creations in
Christ, and given the ministry of reconciliation. The prison
ministry is an extension of this reconciliation. It is an
acknowledgment that God’s grace is boundless and extends to all,
regardless of past actions. This ministry calls us to support the
spiritual, emotional, and social restoration of our brothers and
sisters behind bars.
The Blessings of Obedience
While our work with prisoners is a blessing to them, we must not
overlook the transformative impact it has on us. Proverbs 11:25
says, "A generous person will prosper; whoever refreshes others will
be refreshed." In giving of ourselves, our time, and our
companionship, we too are blessed. We gain perspective, we grow in
grace, and we learn the true meaning of Christ-like love.
My dear friends, as we reflect on the message of “Visiting Them in
Prison,” let us embrace the mandate from our Lord Jesus Christ. Let
us not be found idle when He returns, but actively engaged in the
work He has set before us. May we venture beyond our comfort zones,
guided by the Holy Spirit, to extend God’s mercy and love to those
who society has often forgotten. Let us remember, as we draw near to
the forgotten, the marginalized, the imprisoned, we draw near to
Christ Himself.
Let us pray for those in captivity, for the correctional officers,
for the administrators, and for ourselves—that we might have the
courage to take up this vital ministry, reflecting the redeeming
love of our Savior.
May the Lord strengthen you as you respond to His call.
* * * * *
