In Luke’s Gospel, Luke was writing after carefully researching the ministry of Jesus of Nazareth for the explicit purpose providing a consecutive order of events so that Theophilus would know the “exact truth” of the things he was taught; this goal is clearly stated in the prologue (Luke 1:1-4 NASB). In his writing, Luke recorded many parables, which are extended similes that are easy to remember. Of these, perhaps one of the most renowned is the parable of the Good Samaritan, which is located in Luke 10 just after the sending out and joyful return of the 72.

It is imperative to be considerate of the immediate context of the parable; v25-37 records Jesus communicating to an expert in the Law who, “stood up and put Him to the test, saying, “Teacher, what shall I do to inherit eternal life?’ (NASB, v25).” Interestingly, after being questioned by Jesus, the lawyer gives a correct answer; he appropriately responds to his own question with scripture (Deut 6:5; Lev 19:18). Darrell Bock comments, “The lawyer is confused, even though his answer is correct, because he still thinks that eternal life is earned rather than received in the context of a love relationship with God.” However, as we soon learn, just because the Pharisee transmitted the right reply didn’t mean that his heart and life had been transformed to be right before God. (Luke, 197)

In His brilliance, Jesus exposed a profound dimension of the heart by telling the famous parable. Grant R. Osborne discusses the provocative dynamic of this teaching device by noting that parables communicate in such a way that is, “indirect and demands that the hearer react. It does not appeal to the mind as much as the whole person.” (Hermeneutical Spiral, 293)
The heart of the parable could be in part postured towards the corrupt religious establishment who were rejecting the person and ministry of Christ. Luke indicates that is not only is Jesus being questioned, but by an expert in the law who already has the “right” answer, thus showing his curiosity wasn’t necessarily genuine. When the question is refined, we see the lawyer want to know what the bare minimum is to be neighborly and still be accepted by God. Bock comments further, “In fact, the parable turns the whole question around. The lawyer asks who his neighbor is in the hope that some people are not. Jesus replies, ‘Just be a neighbor whenever you are needed, and realize that neighbors can come from surprising places.’” (Luke, 197)

Jesus then goes on to tell a story casting a priest and Levite in a negative light. The two that would be expected to be compassionate refused to help (perhaps to avoid being ritualistically unclean) failed morally. By questioning His questioner and offering a counter story that would implicitly critique vague representatives of His opponents; Jesus was effectively establishing His teaching and silencing His antagonists.

What is more remarkable is that the character in the story who reflects a kingdom-centered heart is a lowly and despised Samaritan. Once again, Bock explains, “To love God means to show mercy to those in need. An authentic life is found in serving God and caring for others. This is a central tenet of discipleship. Here human beings fulfill their created role-to love God and be a neighbor to others by meeting their needs. Neighbors are not determined by race, creed or gender; neighbors consist of anyone in need made in the image of God.” (Luke, 199)

Telling this example story would’ve surely been a “reversal of expectations” or “an unexpected turn,” something Osborne signifies as common marks of parables (The Hermeneutical Spiral, 297). This disruption of widespread thinking patterns would be first of all surprising, it would secondly reveal what it practically looks like to love God, and finally it would imply even the esteemed teachers of the law were not truly righteous before God. By conveying these insights in a parable Jesus was able to be both understandable and indirect at the same time. Ergo, it was the content of His message that would confront His audience as they drew their conclusions while Jesus’ wise method enabled Him to be less abrasive and immune to the criticism of His enemies.

In short, the parable to the Good Samaritan is more than an impersonal and moralistic snippet intended to compel us to vague expressions of charity. In context, Jesus confronted the pride leaders of His day and taught about true discipleship. He implicitly, but effectively, showed how one who is knowledgeable can be puffed up (1 Cor. 8:1) instead of truly loving, that deeds removed from fully loving God are mere rags (Is 64:6), and that those with the right answers desperately need repentance, forgiveness, and humility.

With a historical viewpoint that is mindful of the literary genre, a modern reader can begin to grasp the challenging implications of the Parable of the Good Samaritan.

- Luke. Downers Grove, IL: InterVarsity Press, 1994. Print.
-The Hermeneutical Spiral. 2nd Edition. Downers Grove, IL: InterVarsity Press, 2006. Print.

As a new dad, I’m getting new eyes. I realize that my old view of God as a Father was beta and bland. What I have always believed to be true is now becoming much more dynamic, encompassing, and real.

This heightened awareness is like the difference between someone claiming to know that water is wet vs. experientially knowing water by jumping into the cold and powerful waters of Lake Michigan. Unlike merely affirming a proposition or two, being immersed in the lake will instantly intrude all of your senses and make you chilled and short of breath…

God is our Father. Not an abusive, impossible to please, poor communicating fool. He is not the folly that we see all too often, He is the best of what it can mean to be dad.

He’s a wise and patient counselor. He’s a powerful and protective leader. He’s righteous and appropriately intimidating. He doesn’t worry about being unpopular – He’s got a spine. He provides and delivers on everything. A consuming fire … basically a cosmic BA, if you will.

And even though He’s the Lion, He’s also the Lamb.

The text says we should call Him “Abba,” which is sort of like affectionately saying “my dear daddy.” A thick Biblical understanding of the term calls to mind the pure and gentle, intimate and relational, fond and tender, familiar and confident, and gracious love between parent and child.

SO, I find myself:

1 – KNOWING that He is love, and that it is real and it is deep.

His love is more real, more deep, and more gracious & good that I first imagined. I know how much I love my daughter, how I would do anything for her and that it is nothing short of pure joy to love and celebrate our relationship … and I’m wicked – how much more loving then, is my perfect and divine Father? He wants to provide, He’s willing to forgive — and not see me as the sum of my mistakes, He teaches & leads, and knows what is best. How does this reality not re-shape everything?

2 – RESPONDING with a heart more like His.

I find myself wanting so many things for my daughter that God wants for His children. I want Violet to be healthy. Smarter than the average bear. Kind and sincere. Pure. Loving the misfits and listening to her ma & I. Secure that her worth doesn’t come from the fickleness of people. I want her to be just and discerning, especially with boys. I want her to put others first and to be a daddy’s girl. I want her to love sunsets and Bruce Springsteen.

But most of all, I want the Gospel for my child. I want her to cross from death to life, I want her sins to be atoned for and for life Himself to enter into her heart and mind. I want the righteousness of Jesus to be coursing through her veins and the truth of His words to be on her lips. I want her to be saved from her sins and saved to His mission (if I can steal someone else’s words).

And what is very weird is that knowing my loving Father and being a father finds me wanting the Gospel more, but not just for my child, but for all of His children.

Can you dig it?

The Tub Is A Sink from Justin Detmers on Vimeo.

- AND – A recent photo courtesy of Mikenna White Photography. 14 weeks, squealing, squawking, and healthy.

As far as literacy goes, we’re off to a good start indeed! Yet, my goal is to move her on to refereed scientific journals & existential philosophy by her second birthday…there’s nothing cuter than a toddler quoting Nietzsche!

1. Find full time employment, even if that means moving

2. Completely deactivate facebook for 1 month…we’ll be friends again, I promise

3. a) Call my mom more often and b) work smarter, not harder; managing time more effectively

4. a) Work out 4 times a week and b) get more sleep

5. Kiss my wife 5 times every day

6. Trust God recklessly (gulp.)

7. Spend “enough” time (According to Dev) with my wife & daughter (i.e. squeeze a date night in every week, no matter what)

8. a) Consistently chew with my mouth closed and b) wear tighter jeans

9. Challenge & empower other men to live a better story

10. a) Spend at least 5 minutes a day praying for other people and b) share Jesus more often

I am Jack’s melting heart.

Grace weighs a cool 7 pounds.

Purple hats rule.

The shot, just minutes after birth, proves my wife can’t be anything but beautiful at all times.

Dev was a rock star during labor.

Sleep has been elusive, but smiles plentiful.

I love Violet Quinn Detmers; so much that it hurts.

Here she is:

Early June means another year has been wrapped up for my favorite teacher. I’ve always been so impressed with her integrity and skill, but perhaps the most appropriate measure of a teacher is the impact she has made on her students who will miss her:

(yes, I just took a picture…the check book says I can’t have a scanner)

Well, I’m coming up on another year married to my best friend, I think that means we’re in it for the ‘long haul’…and oh, what a coincidence — “The Long Haul” is the name of a slick little short that I just stumbled upon; made with over 4,000 still pictures. Enjoy!

Stop Motion | The Long Haul from DUMAIS on Vimeo.