The Kind Stranger

Whoever desires to be first among you, let him be your slave. (Matthew 20:27)

Jean Frederic Oberlin was traveling by foot in winter when he was caught in a severe snowstorm. He soon lost his way and feared he would freeze to death. . . . Then a man came along and rescued Oberlin. He took him to the next village and made sure he would be cared for.

As the man prepared to journey on, Oberlin said, "Tell me your name so that I may at least have you in grateful remembrance before God." The man replied, "Please tell me the name of the Good Samaritan." Oberlin said, "I cannot do that, for it is not given in the Scriptures." His benefactor responded, "Until you can tell me his name, please permit me to withhold mine."