“But a Samaritan, as he journeyed, came to where he was; and when he saw him, he had compassion” –Luke 10:33
The parable of the Good Samaritan was told by Jesus as a response to the question, “Who is my neighbor?” Jesus was offering a teaching about the greatest commandments, summed up in loving God and loving neighbor. A lawyer tested Jesus, looking for a definition of “neighbor.”
This powerful story begins with a man who was traveling and attacked by thieves. He is badly injured in the incident and left to die on the side of the road. Hurt and helpless, the man’s only hope would be another person passing who might be willing to help. The injured traveler would soon be spotted by two different passersby’s, but the other travelers quickly moved to the other side of the road, away from any danger. Sadly, there would be no immediate help for the wounded man.
Thankfully, a Samaritan soon passed by. He quickly began to care for the wounded traveler’s needs. He gave him a drink, and bandaged his wounds. The Samaritan then took the traveler to an inn where he could recover. The Samaritan paid for this out of his own pocket. The title of “Good” is a well-deserved title, indeed.
The Parable of the Good Samaritan makes it very clear that all people are our neighbors. In telling this story, Jesus forces us to look beyond our preconceived notions of others. The Samaritan’s were looked down upon by the Jewish people, yet here is a Samaritan offering mercy when others had not.
There are so many possible reasons why those first two passed by the wounded traveler, but Jesus reminds us that God’s love is a love that calls us to help, to offer hope, and to show mercy when the opportunity arises. Showing compassion and helping can be challenging, but God’s love calls us to respond with mercy, not with fear. I hope you will be on the lookout for a neighbor in need. When you see their need, give them your time. It is the good thing to do.
Rev. Keith King, Online Campus Pastor
