1 00:00:00,140 --> 00:00:02,980 Speaker 1: My brothers, don't hold the faith of our Lord Jesus 2 00:00:03,040 --> 00:00:09,550 Speaker 1: Christ of glory with partiality. James 2.1 Dear Lord, today 3 00:00:09,650 --> 00:00:13,810 Speaker 1: we thank you for not showing partiality or prejudice. The 4 00:00:13,870 --> 00:00:18,770 Speaker 1: love you displayed on the cross broke walls of race, culture, 5 00:00:19,170 --> 00:00:23,739 Speaker 1: and creed. You came to save the world. Through you 6 00:00:23,980 --> 00:00:28,000 Speaker 1: every nation is blessed. We pray that you would give 7 00:00:28,140 --> 00:00:32,729 Speaker 1: us open hearts to those. different from us. May backgrounds 8 00:00:32,830 --> 00:00:36,870 Speaker 1: or small preferences never stop us from showing your love. 9 00:00:37,890 --> 00:00:41,330 Speaker 1: We want to be people of faith, blessing those around 10 00:00:41,409 --> 00:00:46,589 Speaker 1: us with no strings attached or signs of favoritism. When 11 00:00:46,670 --> 00:00:51,330 Speaker 1: our biases come up, renew our minds and remind us 12 00:00:51,390 --> 00:00:55,380 Speaker 1: of the acceptance offered to everyone who calls upon your name. 13 00:00:56,260 --> 00:01:00,850 Speaker 1: In your mighty name we pray. Amen. Thank you for 14 00:01:00,890 --> 00:01:04,369 Speaker 1: praying with me today. You're listening to the Jesus Podcast. 15 00:01:05,010 --> 00:01:09,390 Speaker 1: Prepare to immerse yourself in a dramatic retelling of Christ's 16 00:01:09,530 --> 00:01:14,520 Speaker 1: most iconic parables. Follow this podcast on whatever platform you're 17 00:01:14,560 --> 00:01:18,440 Speaker 1: listening to. Doing so will keep you updated but also 18 00:01:18,880 --> 00:01:22,440 Speaker 1: help us get discovered by more people. We want the 19 00:01:22,500 --> 00:01:26,590 Speaker 1: story of Jesus to be known throughout the world. Thanks 20 00:01:26,630 --> 00:01:32,950 Speaker 1: for making that possible. The young lawyer was meandering around 21 00:01:32,990 --> 00:01:37,490 Speaker 1: the outskirts of Judea. He enjoyed bouncing from small town 22 00:01:37,550 --> 00:01:41,840 Speaker 1: to small town, attending synagogues and debating with the local teachers. 23 00:01:43,200 --> 00:01:47,060 Speaker 1: This hobby was innocent, since he was on a quest 24 00:01:47,319 --> 00:01:53,500 Speaker 1: for knowledge. He was most fulfilled when intellectually stimulated and 25 00:01:53,560 --> 00:01:57,380 Speaker 1: sought the greatest challenges the law of God had to offer. 26 00:01:59,310 --> 00:02:03,190 Speaker 1: Many people followed Matthias, eager to watch him debate the 27 00:02:03,270 --> 00:02:07,630 Speaker 1: scriptures and the philosophical quandaries of the universe. So when 28 00:02:07,670 --> 00:02:10,730 Speaker 1: he had heard Jesus was in the region, he could 29 00:02:10,810 --> 00:02:16,030 Speaker 1: not help but fantasize about speaking with him. Jesus was 30 00:02:16,130 --> 00:02:19,210 Speaker 1: walking in the outer region of Judea. As he was 31 00:02:19,290 --> 00:02:22,170 Speaker 1: tending to the needs of the people, the young lawyer 32 00:02:22,290 --> 00:02:26,790 Speaker 1: approached him. He held himself with the arrogant glow of 33 00:02:26,850 --> 00:02:31,160 Speaker 1: a student. There was an unearthed confidence exuding from him. 34 00:02:32,820 --> 00:02:37,930 Speaker 1: His cocky posture was showcased in stark contrast to Jesus' 35 00:02:38,030 --> 00:02:42,830 Speaker 1: humble position as he mended a woman's broken foot. He 36 00:02:42,889 --> 00:02:46,109 Speaker 1: approached Jesus with a crowd of eager patrons behind him. 37 00:02:47,850 --> 00:02:51,530 Speaker 1: Jesus smiled at the young man and greeted him. The 38 00:02:51,570 --> 00:02:55,300 Speaker 1: young lawyer went straight for his question, ready to engage 39 00:02:55,400 --> 00:02:57,840 Speaker 1: Jesus in a discussion for the ages. 40 00:02:58,639 --> 00:03:02,840 Speaker 2: Teacher, how shall I inherit eternal life? 41 00:03:03,710 --> 00:03:07,310 Speaker 1: He asked, allowing the crowd behind him to prepare themselves. 42 00:03:08,590 --> 00:03:11,730 Speaker 1: Jesus stood to his feet and wiped his hands on 43 00:03:11,770 --> 00:03:14,470 Speaker 1: his robe. They were dirty from working with the people 44 00:03:14,510 --> 00:03:18,639 Speaker 1: all day. He looked at the crowd, then walked over 45 00:03:18,680 --> 00:03:21,180 Speaker 1: to a bucket of water nearby to wash his face. 46 00:03:21,820 --> 00:03:22,120 Speaker 3: Well? 47 00:03:22,900 --> 00:03:25,579 Speaker 1: Jesus began with a sigh and a smile. 48 00:03:26,160 --> 00:03:28,540 Speaker 2: What does it say in the law? You've read the law, 49 00:03:28,580 --> 00:03:29,100 Speaker 2: I assume? 50 00:03:29,740 --> 00:03:32,980 Speaker 1: The young lawyer was jumpy to answer, ready to begin 51 00:03:33,139 --> 00:03:34,840 Speaker 1: this discussion with Jesus. 52 00:03:35,740 --> 00:03:38,860 Speaker 2: You shall love the Lord your God with all your heart, soul, mind, 53 00:03:38,920 --> 00:03:41,860 Speaker 2: and strength. You shall love your neighbor as yourself. 54 00:03:42,510 --> 00:03:43,310 Speaker 1: The lawyer replied. 55 00:03:44,050 --> 00:03:44,630 Speaker 2: Brilliant! 56 00:03:45,470 --> 00:03:47,590 Speaker 1: Jesus exclaimed with a clap of his hands. 57 00:03:48,450 --> 00:03:52,210 Speaker 2: Very good. Do these things and you shall live into eternity. 58 00:03:52,930 --> 00:03:55,960 Speaker 1: Jesus waved and turned back to another person in need 59 00:03:56,000 --> 00:04:00,140 Speaker 1: of healing. The lawyer stopped him, annoyed that he could 60 00:04:00,180 --> 00:04:01,619 Speaker 1: not keep Jesus' attention. 61 00:04:02,480 --> 00:04:05,490 Speaker 2: Wait a second, Jesus. I'm not finished with my question. 62 00:04:06,910 --> 00:04:10,230 Speaker 1: The young man was eager for a challenge, desperate for 63 00:04:10,270 --> 00:04:15,070 Speaker 1: an intellectual equal. Jesus glanced at the young man and 64 00:04:15,330 --> 00:04:18,750 Speaker 1: sat down. He gestured for him to continue his question. 65 00:04:19,930 --> 00:04:23,640 Speaker 2: What are the boundaries of who we consider our neighbor? 66 00:04:24,240 --> 00:04:28,080 Speaker 2: Scripture is unclear. Who is worthy of love? And who isn't? 67 00:04:28,839 --> 00:04:30,979 Speaker 2: Certainly that varies from person to person. 68 00:04:31,730 --> 00:04:36,029 Speaker 1: The lawyer retorted. It was a common question of the day, 69 00:04:37,070 --> 00:04:42,350 Speaker 1: a question that certainly needed an answer. People often wondered 70 00:04:42,430 --> 00:04:45,900 Speaker 1: who they needed to love and who they were allowed 71 00:04:45,940 --> 00:04:52,160 Speaker 1: to ignore. Jesus sighed and shook his head. He looked 72 00:04:52,260 --> 00:04:54,840 Speaker 1: up to the young lawyer and gestured for him to 73 00:04:55,120 --> 00:04:58,760 Speaker 1: sit beside him. He then motioned for the crowd to 74 00:04:58,800 --> 00:05:03,050 Speaker 1: come in close and listen. Jesus began a story for 75 00:05:03,070 --> 00:05:06,570 Speaker 1: the lawyer. It became apparent that this would not be 76 00:05:06,810 --> 00:05:09,310 Speaker 1: a conversation, but a lesson. 77 00:05:10,070 --> 00:05:12,710 Speaker 2: Let me tell you a story about a merchant traveling 78 00:05:12,790 --> 00:05:14,250 Speaker 2: from Jerusalem to Jericho. 79 00:05:17,650 --> 00:05:20,990 Speaker 3: Who is our neighbor? Who is worthy of our respect 80 00:05:21,170 --> 00:05:24,330 Speaker 3: and our love? The people who agree with us? The 81 00:05:24,360 --> 00:05:27,000 Speaker 3: people who vote like us? the people who look like us, 82 00:05:27,180 --> 00:05:30,700 Speaker 3: act like us, talk like us. While the world teaches tribalism, 83 00:05:30,980 --> 00:05:34,580 Speaker 3: Jesus offers a different perspective on who is worthy of 84 00:05:34,660 --> 00:05:38,320 Speaker 3: our love and respect. Welcome to another episode of the 85 00:05:38,380 --> 00:05:42,170 Speaker 3: Jesus Podcast. I'm Zach from Pray.com, your humble host and 86 00:05:42,210 --> 00:05:46,750 Speaker 3: guide through these epic stories of redemption and transformation. We're 87 00:05:46,770 --> 00:05:49,770 Speaker 3: beginning a new mini-series today through the parables of Jesus. 88 00:05:50,240 --> 00:05:52,820 Speaker 3: For the next 20 episodes, we will be swept away 89 00:05:52,940 --> 00:05:57,540 Speaker 3: in dramatic retellings of Jesus' most iconic parables. These stories 90 00:05:57,640 --> 00:06:01,290 Speaker 3: go into more detail than Jesus gave, obviously. We'll give 91 00:06:01,320 --> 00:06:04,989 Speaker 3: these characters names and follow them as they learn timeless lessons. 92 00:06:05,430 --> 00:06:08,290 Speaker 3: Through storytelling grounded in scripture, we hope to gain a 93 00:06:08,330 --> 00:06:12,210 Speaker 3: deeper appreciation for the truth of Christ's parables and enrich 94 00:06:12,290 --> 00:06:15,630 Speaker 3: our own faith for the mission ahead. Today's story is 95 00:06:15,690 --> 00:06:19,330 Speaker 3: part one of the parable of the Good Samaritan. Jesus 96 00:06:19,430 --> 00:06:22,770 Speaker 3: gave us this story to answer the profound question, who 97 00:06:22,950 --> 00:06:26,029 Speaker 3: is my neighbor? It's a simple question at first glance, 98 00:06:26,610 --> 00:06:29,719 Speaker 3: but it's packed with commentary on how humans split and 99 00:06:29,760 --> 00:06:33,779 Speaker 3: divide into tribes and different groups. Another way of asking 100 00:06:33,820 --> 00:06:36,520 Speaker 3: our question is this, who can I trust and who 101 00:06:36,580 --> 00:06:39,620 Speaker 3: deserves my kindness? I don't think I'm going out on 102 00:06:39,670 --> 00:06:42,250 Speaker 3: a limb by saying our culture seems pretty divided at 103 00:06:42,290 --> 00:06:45,390 Speaker 3: the moment. We live in a world ripped apart by tribalism. 104 00:06:46,029 --> 00:06:48,289 Speaker 3: The world wants to categorize all of us into groups 105 00:06:48,350 --> 00:06:52,070 Speaker 3: based on race, economic status, cultural background, or political party. 106 00:06:52,630 --> 00:06:55,980 Speaker 3: Even the church tends to be divided by culture and denomination. 107 00:06:56,700 --> 00:06:59,339 Speaker 3: Categorizing people helps us to figure out who's safe and 108 00:06:59,360 --> 00:07:02,360 Speaker 3: who isn't. But defining people by their group is a 109 00:07:02,420 --> 00:07:05,300 Speaker 3: slippery slope, isn't it? Let's dive into the story of 110 00:07:05,320 --> 00:07:08,880 Speaker 3: the Good Samaritan, narrated by Jesus. We'll meet a man 111 00:07:08,930 --> 00:07:12,430 Speaker 3: named Ezra, who wrestles with some preconceived notions about a 112 00:07:12,490 --> 00:07:15,150 Speaker 3: specific group of people. he's going to be taken on 113 00:07:15,190 --> 00:07:19,250 Speaker 3: a journey to answer the profound question, who is my neighbor? 114 00:07:21,570 --> 00:07:25,280 Speaker 2: The streets of Jerusalem were alive and bustling with people 115 00:07:25,420 --> 00:07:31,480 Speaker 2: buying and selling. Ezra weaved through the busy marketplace, looking 116 00:07:31,520 --> 00:07:35,140 Speaker 2: for a few final things before returning to Jericho. He 117 00:07:35,180 --> 00:07:38,330 Speaker 2: stopped at a vendor selling dried figs and dates. The 118 00:07:38,490 --> 00:07:42,910 Speaker 2: sweet smell of fig cakes wafted in from behind the cart. Shalom. 119 00:07:43,540 --> 00:07:45,500 Speaker 2: How much for a sack of dates and three fig kegs? 120 00:07:46,120 --> 00:07:49,360 Speaker 2: Ezra asked the merchant. The portly man stroked his beard 121 00:07:49,400 --> 00:07:51,080 Speaker 2: for a moment, then smiled. 122 00:07:53,360 --> 00:07:56,840 Speaker 4: Oh, for a fine young man like yourself, one and 123 00:07:56,880 --> 00:08:00,360 Speaker 4: a half denarius. I'll even throw in a fresh fig 124 00:08:00,600 --> 00:08:02,320 Speaker 4: plucked straight from the orchard this morning. 125 00:08:03,760 --> 00:08:07,440 Speaker 2: You're very kind. Ezra replied as he retrieved the coins 126 00:08:07,480 --> 00:08:10,100 Speaker 2: from his purse strapped to his side. I'm traveling home 127 00:08:10,140 --> 00:08:13,040 Speaker 2: to Jericho today. We don't have figs like these here 128 00:08:13,080 --> 00:08:13,690 Speaker 2: in Jerusalem. 129 00:08:15,530 --> 00:08:18,970 Speaker 4: The road between Jerusalem and Jericho is dangerous, my friend. 130 00:08:19,930 --> 00:08:22,690 Speaker 4: Be sure to travel by day and with a group. 131 00:08:23,550 --> 00:08:26,760 Speaker 4: I've had vendors lose hundreds of denarius worth of goods 132 00:08:26,840 --> 00:08:27,980 Speaker 4: to robbers and bandits. 133 00:08:28,840 --> 00:08:31,100 Speaker 2: I wish there was an alternative route, but I have 134 00:08:31,120 --> 00:08:34,280 Speaker 2: no choice. Thank you for your kindness and the cakes. 135 00:08:34,900 --> 00:08:37,890 Speaker 2: Before Ezra left, a man approached the cart beside him. 136 00:08:38,390 --> 00:08:42,709 Speaker 2: He was tall, broad-shouldered, and carried a large pack strapped 137 00:08:42,750 --> 00:08:45,570 Speaker 2: to his back. The colors of his tunic were distinct, 138 00:08:46,010 --> 00:08:48,609 Speaker 2: with the patterns revealing the tribe he was born from. 139 00:08:49,110 --> 00:08:52,209 Speaker 2: This man wasn't a Jew, nor was he a Gentile. No, 140 00:08:52,550 --> 00:08:53,750 Speaker 2: he was something worse. 141 00:08:54,970 --> 00:08:58,559 Speaker 4: Do you have any raisin cakes for sale? I will 142 00:08:58,580 --> 00:09:03,000 Speaker 4: be traveling, and the road is always better with something sweet. 143 00:09:03,679 --> 00:09:09,400 Speaker 2: His accent was unmistakable. This man was a Samaritan. Ezra 144 00:09:09,440 --> 00:09:12,980 Speaker 2: immediately clutched his purse and furrowed his brow in disgust. 145 00:09:13,900 --> 00:09:17,640 Speaker 2: The vendor's kind and jolly demeanor shifted, his jaw clenched, 146 00:09:18,000 --> 00:09:19,240 Speaker 2: and his chest puffed out. 147 00:09:21,040 --> 00:09:24,550 Speaker 4: I don't sell to Samaritan dogs. Go and muddy up 148 00:09:24,630 --> 00:09:25,790 Speaker 4: someone else's business. 149 00:09:27,230 --> 00:09:30,209 Speaker 2: There was a long pause from the Samaritan. He stood there, 150 00:09:30,470 --> 00:09:34,170 Speaker 2: keeping Ezra in anxious suspense. What was he going to 151 00:09:34,210 --> 00:09:37,150 Speaker 2: do next? Would he flip over the cart? Would he 152 00:09:37,210 --> 00:09:40,380 Speaker 2: curse the vendor and steal his goods? Ezra thought of bolting, 153 00:09:40,420 --> 00:09:43,630 Speaker 2: but the Samaritan left with a sigh. The man watched 154 00:09:43,670 --> 00:09:45,590 Speaker 2: the Samaritan leave and shook his head. 155 00:09:45,610 --> 00:09:51,100 Speaker 4: The vendor gave Ezra the rest of his money. You 156 00:09:51,120 --> 00:09:54,160 Speaker 4: better watch yourself on the roads. The trail to Samaria 157 00:09:54,220 --> 00:09:55,660 Speaker 4: cuts through the road to Jericho. 158 00:09:56,820 --> 00:09:59,900 Speaker 2: Be safe, my friend. The vendor gave Ezra the rest 159 00:09:59,920 --> 00:10:02,470 Speaker 2: of his change and an extra fig for the road. 160 00:10:03,090 --> 00:10:06,369 Speaker 2: Ezra bowed his head and departed, watching for that Samaritan. 161 00:10:08,610 --> 00:10:11,890 Speaker 2: Ezra gathered everything he needed for his journey to Jericho. 162 00:10:12,410 --> 00:10:15,440 Speaker 2: He passed the city gates, walking down a small path 163 00:10:15,580 --> 00:10:18,730 Speaker 2: switched back to the base of the road. A large 164 00:10:18,809 --> 00:10:21,170 Speaker 2: well was dug there for travelers to stop and drink. 165 00:10:22,230 --> 00:10:24,470 Speaker 2: Ezra waited a while, hoping a group would arrive for 166 00:10:24,490 --> 00:10:28,380 Speaker 2: him to travel with. But nobody came. Eventually, the same 167 00:10:28,420 --> 00:10:31,400 Speaker 2: Samaritan from the marketplace traveled down the trail with his donkey. 168 00:10:31,960 --> 00:10:34,780 Speaker 2: Ezra gulped and suddenly wished he had brought some sort 169 00:10:34,800 --> 00:10:37,780 Speaker 2: of protection. The man arrived at the well and drew 170 00:10:37,820 --> 00:10:40,750 Speaker 2: some for himself and the donkey. He made himself comfortable, 171 00:10:41,070 --> 00:10:43,630 Speaker 2: unloading a few supplies. He was going to be there 172 00:10:43,670 --> 00:10:47,030 Speaker 2: for a while. Ezra's eyes shifted from the Samaritan to 173 00:10:47,050 --> 00:10:49,429 Speaker 2: the road. I'd rather take my chances with the road 174 00:10:49,480 --> 00:10:52,180 Speaker 2: alone than be here with this Samaritan, he thought to himself. 175 00:10:52,559 --> 00:10:55,620 Speaker 2: There's no telling what this man is capable of. Ezra 176 00:10:55,660 --> 00:10:58,280 Speaker 2: darted for the road. A few paces in, he saw 177 00:10:58,360 --> 00:11:02,280 Speaker 2: another traveler strolling in the same direction. Ezra tightened the 178 00:11:02,320 --> 00:11:05,660 Speaker 2: straps on his pack and waved towards him. Sir, would 179 00:11:05,710 --> 00:11:08,650 Speaker 2: I be able to accompany you on the road? He asked, 180 00:11:09,030 --> 00:11:12,110 Speaker 2: nervously looking back at the Samaritan. The stranger gave him 181 00:11:12,150 --> 00:11:16,559 Speaker 2: a pleasant and warm smile. Of course, my boy. He 182 00:11:16,600 --> 00:11:18,980 Speaker 2: said with a friendly voice. He looked back at the 183 00:11:19,000 --> 00:11:22,680 Speaker 2: Samaritan and whispered, There's no telling who you'll run into 184 00:11:22,760 --> 00:11:28,250 Speaker 2: on the road. Best to stay together. I'm grateful. Ezra 185 00:11:28,290 --> 00:11:30,730 Speaker 2: replied with a sigh of relief. He looked back at 186 00:11:30,750 --> 00:11:34,410 Speaker 2: the well. The Samaritan glanced over at them, face stoic 187 00:11:34,450 --> 00:11:37,950 Speaker 2: and unreadable. He gave a nervous smile and followed his 188 00:11:37,990 --> 00:11:41,550 Speaker 2: new friend on the road. I am Ezra. You may 189 00:11:41,620 --> 00:11:45,650 Speaker 2: call me Zevil. The stranger replied, Is Jericho where you 190 00:11:45,690 --> 00:11:49,790 Speaker 2: call home? Jerusalem is my home, but I travel often 191 00:11:49,950 --> 00:11:55,410 Speaker 2: to and fro from Jericho for business. A smile curled 192 00:11:55,470 --> 00:11:59,320 Speaker 2: up the man's narrow face. My business associates are day 193 00:11:59,340 --> 00:12:01,819 Speaker 2: ahead of me. I had to stay behind to settle 194 00:12:01,860 --> 00:12:05,940 Speaker 2: some personal matters, but with luck we'll catch up to 195 00:12:05,980 --> 00:12:10,220 Speaker 2: them before the sunset. They travel slow. The more the merrier, 196 00:12:10,900 --> 00:12:14,000 Speaker 2: Ezra said, glancing back at the well. The Samaritan was 197 00:12:14,050 --> 00:12:17,500 Speaker 2: still resting there. Ezra hoped he wouldn't see him again. 198 00:12:18,520 --> 00:12:21,160 Speaker 2: The two traveled for a few hours, exchanging small talk 199 00:12:21,280 --> 00:12:24,220 Speaker 2: and discussing trivial matters like the weather. The sun was 200 00:12:24,300 --> 00:12:27,959 Speaker 2: suspended firmly in the middle of the sky, offering no 201 00:12:28,059 --> 00:12:32,160 Speaker 2: mercy against Ezra's neck. The road was untouched by the Romans, 202 00:12:32,660 --> 00:12:37,439 Speaker 2: meaning it was unkept and littered with holes. The unsteady 203 00:12:37,480 --> 00:12:40,820 Speaker 2: ground strained his knees and back, and the sun's relentless 204 00:12:40,900 --> 00:12:44,280 Speaker 2: rays made the trek even more draining. The two men 205 00:12:44,340 --> 00:12:48,780 Speaker 2: arrived at a decline, with the road narrowed between two drop-offs. 206 00:12:50,020 --> 00:12:52,140 Speaker 2: On the one side of the road was a jagged hill. 207 00:12:52,620 --> 00:12:55,290 Speaker 2: On the other, a dried creek bed of rocks and 208 00:12:55,350 --> 00:12:59,290 Speaker 2: withered moss. Zevil gestured to a small path breaking off 209 00:12:59,330 --> 00:13:02,650 Speaker 2: beside the mountain. Ah, here it is. This is how 210 00:13:02,690 --> 00:13:05,970 Speaker 2: we'll catch up to my friends before dusk. Zevil pivoted 211 00:13:06,010 --> 00:13:09,099 Speaker 2: and began walking down the path. Ezra paused and scanned 212 00:13:09,130 --> 00:13:12,020 Speaker 2: his surroundings. He wasn't sure veering off the path was 213 00:13:12,059 --> 00:13:15,939 Speaker 2: a good idea. Zevil looked back and smiled. Come, come. 214 00:13:16,440 --> 00:13:18,439 Speaker 2: This is the shortcut I always use when I'm not 215 00:13:18,480 --> 00:13:20,920 Speaker 2: with a large group. It cuts right through the canyon 216 00:13:21,179 --> 00:13:24,079 Speaker 2: and meets back out at the main road. Ezra looked 217 00:13:24,120 --> 00:13:26,820 Speaker 2: behind him, wondering if the Samaritan would catch up soon. 218 00:13:27,400 --> 00:13:30,960 Speaker 2: Then he looked forward. The blistering sun still covered the road, 219 00:13:31,420 --> 00:13:35,000 Speaker 2: but Zevil's shortcut was shaded by the canyon. Lead the way, 220 00:13:35,800 --> 00:13:40,270 Speaker 2: Ezra said nervously. Zevil smiled and continued. They scaled down 221 00:13:40,309 --> 00:13:43,820 Speaker 2: the steep, jagged path, until they were entirely covered by shade. 222 00:13:44,420 --> 00:13:47,080 Speaker 2: It was a pleasant break for Ezra. Once they were 223 00:13:47,120 --> 00:13:50,860 Speaker 2: hidden in the shadows, Zevil's pace quickened. Ezra tried to 224 00:13:50,900 --> 00:13:53,420 Speaker 2: keep up, but lost sight of Zevil around the corner. 225 00:13:53,679 --> 00:13:54,100 Speaker 4: Wait up! 226 00:13:54,820 --> 00:13:57,600 Speaker 2: Ezra called out. He turned the corner, only to be 227 00:13:57,679 --> 00:14:00,100 Speaker 2: punched in the jaw and fall to the dirt. He 228 00:14:00,120 --> 00:14:02,540 Speaker 2: looked up. A large man stood over him with a 229 00:14:02,640 --> 00:14:06,140 Speaker 2: rope tied around his fist. Another man, shorter but wider, 230 00:14:06,400 --> 00:14:10,090 Speaker 2: approached with a heavy stick. Behind them was Zevil, wearing 231 00:14:10,120 --> 00:14:21,770 Speaker 2: a menacing smile. Zevil, what are you doing? Oh, Ezra, 232 00:14:21,950 --> 00:14:25,120 Speaker 2: forgive me for not introducing you. These are the business 233 00:14:25,160 --> 00:14:28,200 Speaker 2: associates I was telling you about. Turns out they weren't 234 00:14:28,240 --> 00:14:31,820 Speaker 2: too far ahead of us after all. Ezra leapt to 235 00:14:31,860 --> 00:14:34,160 Speaker 2: his feet and tried to run, but the shorter man 236 00:14:34,320 --> 00:14:36,680 Speaker 2: struck him in the back with his stick. He fell 237 00:14:36,780 --> 00:14:39,880 Speaker 2: face-first in the dirt and winced in pain. The taller 238 00:14:39,920 --> 00:14:42,119 Speaker 2: man lifted Ezra by his tunic and punched him in 239 00:14:42,140 --> 00:14:45,150 Speaker 2: the ribs before throwing him against the stones. They ripped 240 00:14:45,170 --> 00:14:48,210 Speaker 2: his pack from him, removing his purse, and began beating 241 00:14:48,250 --> 00:14:52,330 Speaker 2: him senseless. Ezra shouted for help, but nobody heard his cries. 242 00:14:52,890 --> 00:14:55,130 Speaker 2: He begged for mercy, but there was no room in 243 00:14:55,190 --> 00:14:58,020 Speaker 2: Zevu's corrupt heart. They beat Ezra in such a way 244 00:14:58,060 --> 00:15:01,070 Speaker 2: that he hoped to die. The pain was unbearable. And 245 00:15:01,090 --> 00:15:04,350 Speaker 2: each moment felt like a lifetime. He felt his bones break. 246 00:15:04,870 --> 00:15:08,160 Speaker 2: He felt his ribs crack. He felt all the strength 247 00:15:08,200 --> 00:15:12,460 Speaker 2: in his arms leave him as he desperately pulled away. Finally, 248 00:15:12,520 --> 00:15:15,840 Speaker 2: the men stopped, not out of mercy, but because the 249 00:15:15,940 --> 00:15:18,990 Speaker 2: job had been done. Zevil took one of the fig 250 00:15:19,070 --> 00:15:21,850 Speaker 2: cakes out of the pack and took a bite. With 251 00:15:21,890 --> 00:15:25,010 Speaker 2: his mouth full, he patted Ezra on the head and said, 252 00:15:25,330 --> 00:15:28,540 Speaker 2: Thanks for the lunch, my friend. I pray you'll find 253 00:15:28,560 --> 00:15:31,220 Speaker 2: your way safely back to Jericho. Watch out for the 254 00:15:31,280 --> 00:15:34,900 Speaker 2: Samaritans out there. The three men chuckled and escaped back 255 00:15:34,940 --> 00:15:39,730 Speaker 2: into the shadows. Ezra lay there, bones cracked and muscles bruised. 256 00:15:40,170 --> 00:15:44,090 Speaker 2: His face was swollen and bloodied beyond recognition. Every breath 257 00:15:44,130 --> 00:15:47,410 Speaker 2: brought a sharp pain shooting through his lungs. With every 258 00:15:47,490 --> 00:15:50,450 Speaker 2: ounce of strength he had left, he dragged himself around 259 00:15:50,470 --> 00:15:53,810 Speaker 2: the corner desperately trying to get back to the road. 260 00:15:54,570 --> 00:15:56,630 Speaker 2: He made it to the bottom of the hill, but 261 00:15:56,650 --> 00:16:00,200 Speaker 2: it took everything out of him. He propped himself up 262 00:16:00,280 --> 00:16:02,720 Speaker 2: on one of the rocks, straining to get back up, 263 00:16:03,260 --> 00:16:06,360 Speaker 2: but his strength failed, and he slipped back. He hit 264 00:16:06,400 --> 00:16:09,300 Speaker 2: his head on the ground below. The sun's harsh rays 265 00:16:09,380 --> 00:16:13,360 Speaker 2: receded behind the hills. The cool bite of night whistled 266 00:16:13,420 --> 00:16:17,850 Speaker 2: in through the canyons. Ezra lay there, slowly losing consciousness. 267 00:16:18,810 --> 00:16:23,430 Speaker 2: He looked up at the road, so close, yet so far. Finally, 268 00:16:23,470 --> 00:16:26,530 Speaker 2: as the sun descended over the hills... Ezra fell asleep, 269 00:16:26,810 --> 00:16:29,190 Speaker 2: unsure if he would awake the next morning. 270 00:16:33,190 --> 00:16:37,210 Speaker 3: Did you notice Ezra's preconceived notions flipped upside down? As 271 00:16:37,270 --> 00:16:39,590 Speaker 3: it turns out, he couldn't trust someone just because they 272 00:16:39,630 --> 00:16:41,730 Speaker 3: looked like him or came from the same place as him. 273 00:16:42,310 --> 00:16:45,270 Speaker 3: The person Ezra thought he could trust ended up being 274 00:16:45,480 --> 00:16:48,580 Speaker 3: his enemy. That's the danger we find ourselves in when 275 00:16:48,640 --> 00:16:51,300 Speaker 3: we judge people based on their group and not by 276 00:16:51,320 --> 00:16:55,630 Speaker 3: them themselves. as individuals, the character, the heart, the inward man. 277 00:16:56,150 --> 00:16:58,890 Speaker 3: Here's a timeless truth for us spoken by the Lord 278 00:16:58,960 --> 00:17:01,900 Speaker 3: to Samuel when he was choosing a king. 1 Samuel 16, 279 00:17:01,870 --> 00:17:03,359 Speaker 3: 7 says, In other words, looks can be deceiving. On 280 00:17:03,400 --> 00:17:05,360 Speaker 3: the outside, this man that we named Zebul seemed harmless. 281 00:17:21,800 --> 00:17:24,060 Speaker 3: He looked like Ezra, came from the same place as Ezra, 282 00:17:24,160 --> 00:17:26,899 Speaker 3: and spoke like him. But Zebul was a wolf in 283 00:17:26,920 --> 00:17:30,359 Speaker 3: sheep's clothing. The culture we come from, the family we 284 00:17:30,400 --> 00:17:33,859 Speaker 3: are raised in, or the nationality we claim doesn't define 285 00:17:33,900 --> 00:17:36,270 Speaker 3: us as a whole. It doesn't define us as much 286 00:17:36,310 --> 00:17:39,750 Speaker 3: as the substance of our hearts. Christ came to unify 287 00:17:39,770 --> 00:17:43,570 Speaker 3: people from different backgrounds, statuses, and cultures. The early church, 288 00:17:43,750 --> 00:17:45,990 Speaker 3: led by Paul and the other apostles, was the first 289 00:17:46,090 --> 00:17:50,060 Speaker 3: movement where slaves and masters sat together as equals. Jews 290 00:17:50,100 --> 00:17:53,580 Speaker 3: and Gentiles worked and worshipped side by side. Former priests 291 00:17:53,700 --> 00:17:58,320 Speaker 3: and prostitutes prayed together. Regal Greeks and sloppy barbarians exchanged 292 00:17:58,380 --> 00:18:02,460 Speaker 3: conversations about life, purpose, and heaven. I want to share 293 00:18:02,500 --> 00:18:05,500 Speaker 3: this beautiful passage from Ephesians 2 with you, and I 294 00:18:05,540 --> 00:18:10,520 Speaker 3: think it beautifully illustrates this point. Ephesians 2, 14-22 says this, 295 00:18:11,060 --> 00:18:13,700 Speaker 3: For Jesus is our peace, who has made the two 296 00:18:13,760 --> 00:18:17,240 Speaker 3: groups one and has destroyed the barrier, the dividing wall 297 00:18:17,260 --> 00:18:19,990 Speaker 3: of hostility and by setting aside in His flesh the 298 00:18:20,050 --> 00:18:23,369 Speaker 3: law with its commandments and regulations. His purpose was to 299 00:18:23,430 --> 00:18:26,800 Speaker 3: create in Himself one new humanity of the two, thus 300 00:18:26,890 --> 00:18:30,100 Speaker 3: making peace, and in one body to reconcile both them 301 00:18:30,160 --> 00:18:32,800 Speaker 3: to God and the cross, by which He put to 302 00:18:32,859 --> 00:18:36,360 Speaker 3: death their hostility. He came and preached peace to you 303 00:18:36,400 --> 00:18:39,260 Speaker 3: who were far away, and peace to those who were near. 304 00:18:39,840 --> 00:18:42,300 Speaker 3: For through Him we both have access to the Father 305 00:18:42,500 --> 00:18:46,159 Speaker 3: by one Spirit. Consequently, you are no longer foreigners and 306 00:18:46,220 --> 00:18:49,550 Speaker 3: strangers but fellow citizens, with God's people and are also 307 00:18:49,630 --> 00:18:52,290 Speaker 3: members of His household, built on the foundation of the 308 00:18:52,330 --> 00:18:56,730 Speaker 3: apostles and prophets, with Jesus Christ Himself as the chief cornerstone. 309 00:18:57,390 --> 00:19:00,879 Speaker 3: In Him, the whole building is joined together and rises 310 00:19:00,930 --> 00:19:03,340 Speaker 3: to become a holy temple in the Lord, and in 311 00:19:03,420 --> 00:19:05,580 Speaker 3: Him you too are being built together to become a 312 00:19:05,660 --> 00:19:08,480 Speaker 3: dwelling in which God lives by His Spirit. 313 00:19:08,900 --> 00:19:09,260 Speaker 2: Amen. 314 00:19:09,890 --> 00:19:12,899 Speaker 3: Jesus came to break down two different types of walls. 315 00:19:13,280 --> 00:19:16,320 Speaker 3: The first wall was between us and God. He made 316 00:19:16,359 --> 00:19:18,520 Speaker 3: a way by his sacrifice on the cross for us 317 00:19:18,560 --> 00:19:20,959 Speaker 3: to be unified with God. The Bible says that we 318 00:19:20,980 --> 00:19:24,500 Speaker 3: were once alienated and hostile from God. But we've been 319 00:19:24,540 --> 00:19:26,840 Speaker 3: brought near and we've been called children of God now. 320 00:19:27,420 --> 00:19:29,690 Speaker 3: But the second wall of barrier that God came to 321 00:19:29,730 --> 00:19:33,910 Speaker 3: break down is the walls between people groups. Through salvation 322 00:19:33,930 --> 00:19:36,010 Speaker 3: in Christ, we get to have access and peace with 323 00:19:36,070 --> 00:19:38,980 Speaker 3: God where it didn't exist. We're no longer enemies with him, 324 00:19:39,020 --> 00:19:41,659 Speaker 3: but beloved children. And now all of those who call 325 00:19:41,660 --> 00:19:44,870 Speaker 3: themselves children of God get to enjoy unity and an 326 00:19:44,869 --> 00:19:48,310 Speaker 3: unbreakable bond. Here at Pray.com, we are blown away that 327 00:19:48,310 --> 00:19:53,110 Speaker 3: we have listeners from the United States, the Philippines, Mexico, Uganda, Japan, 328 00:19:53,130 --> 00:19:56,250 Speaker 3: and Germany. Each and every one of you are bonded 329 00:19:56,310 --> 00:20:01,520 Speaker 3: by something that transcends borders, culture, creed. We're unified in Christ. 330 00:20:01,859 --> 00:20:04,640 Speaker 3: Paul said that there is neither Jew nor Greek, slave 331 00:20:04,680 --> 00:20:08,620 Speaker 3: nor free, male nor female. The labels that previously divided 332 00:20:08,700 --> 00:20:11,630 Speaker 3: us don't matter anymore. All that matters now is how 333 00:20:11,670 --> 00:20:14,730 Speaker 3: your hearts have been transformed by Christ and how we 334 00:20:14,770 --> 00:20:19,120 Speaker 3: are all collectively upwardly reaching towards him. In our next episode, 335 00:20:19,260 --> 00:20:22,320 Speaker 3: Ezra is going to learn that hard but beautiful lesson. 336 00:20:22,859 --> 00:20:25,320 Speaker 3: The people he expects to help him won't help at all, 337 00:20:25,720 --> 00:20:27,900 Speaker 3: but the person he least suspects to give him aid 338 00:20:28,060 --> 00:20:30,859 Speaker 3: will come to his rescue. Join us tomorrow for part 339 00:20:30,920 --> 00:20:34,340 Speaker 3: two of The Good Samaritan. If you've been enjoying this podcast, 340 00:20:34,380 --> 00:20:36,730 Speaker 3: be sure to leave us a review and download the 341 00:20:36,770 --> 00:20:40,790 Speaker 3: Pray.com app for more epic devotionals, sermons, and stories to 342 00:20:40,810 --> 00:20:43,330 Speaker 3: give you wisdom and enrich your faith forever.