"Three Rules of Life"

Steven J. Wallace

Having a conversation with a lawyer who wanted to justify himself, Jesus taught him a parable involving a good Samaritan. This parable became so well known that it is a common expression used by people today for compassionately helping others. While they may not even know its origin, they know the meaning found in “Good Samaritan.” In this parable, Jesus also identifies three distinct rules of life.

THE IRON RULE

“Then Jesus answered and said: ‘A certain man went down from Jerusalem to Jericho, and fell among thieves, who stripped him of his clothing, wounded him, and departed, leaving him half dead’” (Lk. 11:30).

The thieves that attacked this passerby led a life governed by “might makes right.” It is a selfish principle that justifies taking whatever you want as long as you have the power to take it. These thieves had no concern for the physical, financial, and emotional hurt they caused another. But then again, neither does the rapist, murderer, extortioner, or kidnapper.
King Saul lived by this rule in hunting David. When Saul found out that David was so close to him and yet did not kill him, he experienced self-condemnation and confessed, “I have played the fool and erred exceedingly” (1 Sam. 26:21). To live your life by the iron rule is to play the fool and err exceedingly.

Solomon warned his son in Proverbs 1:10-15,

“My son, if sinners entice you, Do not consent. If they say, “Come with us, Let us lie in wait to shed blood; Let us lurk secretly for the innocent without cause; Let us swallow them alive like Sheol, And whole, like those who go down to the Pit; We shall find all kinds of precious possessions, We shall fill our houses with spoil; Cast in your lot among us, Let us all have one purse” —My son, do not walk in the way with them, Keep your foot from their path.”

Notice the strong and clear admonition to steer clear of their course, “do not consent” and “do not walk in the way with them.” There is no honor among thieves. Paul contradicted this rule, writing, “Let him who stole steal no longer, but rather let him labor, working with his hands what is good, that he may have something to give him who has need” (Eph. 4:28). Further contrast is seen in the example of Jesus who wholly gave Himself for our sins so that we are not swallowed up hopelessly by Sheol (1 Cor. 15:54-58).

THE SILVER RULE

In the parable, we find two other characters arriving at the crime scene. One is a priest, and another is a Levite.

“Now by chance a certain priest came down that road. And when he saw him, he passed by on the other side. Likewise a Levite, when he arrived at the place, came and looked, and passed by on the other side” (Lk. 10:31, 32).

This is not much better than the iron rule. Where it doesn’t premeditate harm against another, it doesn’t get involved to help anyone either. The Levite actually came and looked. He didn’t kick him or check to see if any personal belongings were left. He and the priest simply “passed by.” That is the key descriptor—passed by! How tragic this is for the wounded man. What is the famous saying by Edmund Burke? “The only thing necessary for the triumph of evil is for good men to do nothing.” Passing by is “doing nothing.”

Jesus condemned the fig tree not because it was impeding one’s path or emitting noxious gasses but because it produced nothing (Matt. 21:19). While it wasn’t doing anything outright evil, neither was it producing anything “right.” It was showy without substance. Is the non-productive course of life sinful? “Therefore, to him who knows to do good and does not do it, to him it is sin” (Jas. 4:17; cf. 1 Jn. 3:16-18).

THE GOLDEN RULE

Jesus continues the parable in Luke 10:33, 34:

“But a certain Samaritan, as he journeyed, came where he was. And when he saw him, he had compassion. So he went to him and bandaged his wounds, pouring on oil and wine; and he set him on his own animal, brought him to an inn, and took care of him.”