The Parable of a Good Patient, January 23
Daily Reflections from Inside the Cancer Journey
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Written by David Gira
“But a certain Samaritan, as he journeyed, came where [the wounded, half-dead man] was. And when he saw him, he had compassion” (Luke 10:33 NKJV).
Jesus tells a story about a man traveling who gets mugged (see Luke 10:30-35). The thieves strip him of his clothes, beat him and leave him lying half dead on the side of the road. Two religious leaders come along the same road, see the man, and cross to other side to avoid him.
A man from Samaria comes along, sees the wounded man, and stops to help. He bandages the man’s wounds, takes him to an inn and cares for him. When he leaves, he pays the innkeeper to continue caring for the wounded man.
Most of us read this story as a call to care for others. We should be a Good Samaritan. If we are honest, we may also see ourselves as the Levite and priest. We too have turned a cold shoulder to someone in need.
If we are experiencing cancer, we may identify with the man who was robbed, beaten, stripped, wounded, half dead, and alone. We know what it’s like to need help. Reflecting on the parable from this perspective may also be helpful!
If you are accustomed to providing for yourself and others, suddenly depending on others to provide for you can be a bitter pill to swallow. Like it or not, cancer is not a do-it-yourself project.
We can learn from the wounded man. He allows the “Good Samaritan” to help him, to come close and see his injuries. He does not resist, try to conceal, or run away. He doesn’t say, “I’m fine” or “I can handle this.” He lets the Samaritan care for him. He’s a “Good Patient.”
To receive the care and assistance we need, we too must be a Good Patient. That includes letting others know what’s happening, our feelings and needs.
Serving and being served are central to our faith. During the Last Supper, Jesus got up from the table and proceeded to wash His disciples’ feet. He knew His imminent death hurt, confused, and scared them. Washing their feet expressed His love. It also showed His disciples how to love each other.
Peter refused. Servants wash feet. If anything, Peter should wash Jesus’ feet. But Jesus insisted, “Unless I wash you, you have no part with me” (John 13:8 NIV). Peter needed Jesus to serve him. Refusing would hurt Peter, Jesus, and their relationship.
The same is true for us. If we don’t allow others to serve us, we don’t just hurt ourselves. We hurt the one who wants to help. We take away an important opportunity for them to love us. It’s something they need to do, not just for us, but for themselves. Otherwise, they can’t be part of us. Our relationship is damaged.
God did not create us to be self-sufficient. He sent Jesus to live and die for us. We are saved by grace! (See Ephesians 2:8.) God also gave us family, friends, doctors, nurses, pastors, and many others to help. Allowing others to serve us is vital, good, and godly.
Pray: Thank you for the “Good Samaritans” in my life, those who have had compassion, stopped to help, and provided for me. Help me express my gratitude. Encourage my caregivers to let others care for them. Amen.
Your Turn: Think of at least one person who has cared for you. Send a note to thank them for their compassion. The Beatles’ song, “Help!” simply and happily reminds us—we need each other!
Michael David Gira, Jr., Cancer Survivor
David was an ordained United Methodist Pastor and graduate of Duke Divinity School. He and his wife, Amy, lived in Raleigh, North Carolina with their three children. In 2017 he was diagnosed with stage four lung cancer. In his book, How Cancer Cured Me, he shares many ways he experienced God’s healing. After a 7 year battle with cancer, David is now joyously singing praises in God’s glorious throne room. His legacy lives on through his writing for Cancer Companions, as he continues to proclaim Christ’s hope and healing power to others experiencing cancer. https://www.davidgira.com/how-cancer-cured-me
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