“But a Samaritan, as he journeyed, came to where he was; and when he saw him, he had compassion” –Luke 10:33
Jesus was teaching about the greatest commandment, which is summed up in loving God and loving neighbor. While he was teaching, a lawyer tested Jesus, looking for a definition of “neighbor.” In response to this question, Jesus told the parable of the Good Samaritan.
This powerful parable begins with a man who is traveling. While alone on the road, the traveler was attacked by thieves. He was 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. Two different passersby soon spotted the injured traveler, but the other travelers quickly moved to the other side of the road, away from any danger. Sadly, it would seem that 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 the traveler’s care out of his own pocket. The title of “Good” is a well-deserved title, indeed.
The Parable of the Good Samaritan clearly shows that all people are our neighbors. In telling this story, Jesus forces us to look beyond our preconceived notions of others. The Samaritans and the Jewish people did not get along. Their cultural, racial, and religious differences caused great division, even though they lived close to one another. Regardless, the neighborly life is demonstrated by a Samaritan offering mercy to a Jewish man 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 active. Love calls us to help, offer hope, and 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. When others are in need, we are called to act with our time and our resources. It is the good thing to do.
Rev. Keith King, Pastor of Worship
