Luke 10:30-37
And Jesus answering said, A certain man went down from Jerusalem to Jericho, and fell among thieves, which stripped him of his raiment, and wounded him, and departed, leaving him half dead. And by chance there came down a certain priest that way: and when he saw him, he passed by on the other side. And likewise a Levite, when he was at the place, came and looked on him, and passed by on the other side. But a certain Samaritan, as he journeyed, came where he was: and when he saw him, he had compassion on him, And went to him, and bound up his wounds, pouring in oil and wine, and set him on his own beast, and brought him to an inn, and took care of him. And on the morrow when he departed, he took out two pence, and gave them to the host, and said unto him, Take care of him; and whatsoever thou spendest more, when I come again, I will repay thee. Which now of these three, thinkest thou, was neighbour unto him that fell among the thieves? And he said, He that shewed mercy on him. Then said Jesus unto him, Go, and do thou likewise.
It’s sad that this man fell among thieves. Even sadder is that a priest and a Levite passed by on the other side without offering to give this hurting man some aid. Regardless of their rank or creed they lacked compassion. Their hearts were indifferent and apathetic. They chose to do nothing!
Proverbs 11:12 indicates that these men were void of wisdom because they despised their neighbor. God commands us in Scripture to “love thy neighbor as thyself” (Matthew 22:39; Luke 10:27). We are to love others without partiality.
When the Samaritan saw the condition of this man, he immediately showed compassion by tending to his wounds and taking care of him. He chose to see an opportunity to share Christ rather than the obstacles in the way. He didn’t wait to see if his kindness was going to be repaid he showed kindness anyways.
True compassion will cost something. May we always be mindful of Christ’s great sacrifice at Calvary. Our love for Christ should spur us to share His love with others.
Jude 1:22 ~ And of some have compassion, making a difference.
