The Good Samaritan – we all want to be thought of as one. So let’s
take a look at this familiar story as told by Jesus in
Luke 10:30 -37.
A man was traveling from Jerusalem to Jericho when he was attacked by robbers who beat him, stripped him of his things, and left him on the side of the road.
He is passed up by a priest and then a Levite, neither of whom offer him any assistance.
And then comes the Samaritan:
“But a Samaritan, who was on a journey, came upon him; and when he saw him, he felt compassion.” (Luke 10:33, NASB)
The Samaritan “felt compassion.”
While the other two men saw the man, the Samaritan felt. Compassion is a feeling which also has a strong desire to alleviate the suffering of another. It is not just enough to see. Our hearts must be moved.
The Samaritan did not focus on the fact that Jews and Samaritans were not friendly to each other. He did not think about how he was despised, or thought to be beneath others.
He only saw a man in need of help and mercy; and was moved to do what he was able.
The Samaritan did not stay within the confines of legalism. He did not limit himself as he felt the compulsion to go beyond.
The Samaritan had not let his heart grow cold from mistreatment he may have received, or due to stereotypes.
“He who despises his neighbor sins, But happy is he who is gracious to the poor.”
(Proverbs 14:21, NASB)
“He has told you, O man, what is good; And what does the Lord require of you
But to do justice, to love kindness, And to walk humbly with your God?”
(Micah 6:8, NASB)
Jesus calls us to go beyond, to believe He will help us to go the extra mile.
How is Jesus calling you to go beyond?
Photo by Elliot Pannaman on Unsplash
This is a good reminder that God's will isn't always "convenient." Sometimes interruptions and unexpected delays put us right where He wants us.
ReplyDeleteBarbara, you said it well! "Sometimes interruptions and unexpected delays put us right where He wants us." Thank you for sharing your thought!
DeleteOh Joanne! I love how you put this. The others saw, but the Samaritan felt. Jesus, help me to feel and go beyond my own comfort!
ReplyDeleteYes, I too pray for Jesus to help me go beyond my own comfort. Sometimes it can be as simple as a word of refreshment.
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