Ignoring Wounds (passing By)

Ignoring Wounds (Passing By)

Luke 10:30-32, NLT

Jesus replied with a story: “A Jewish man was traveling from Jerusalem down to Jericho, and he was attacked by bandits. They stripped him of his clothes, beat him up, and left him half dead beside the road. 31By chance a priest came along. But when he saw the man lying there, he crossed to the other side of the road and passed him by. 32A Temple assistant walked over and looked at him lying there, but he also passed by on the other side.”

Setting the Scene

Jesus began answering the legal expert by telling a story. All of his listeners would have easily pictured the man in the story traveling “from Jerusalem down to Jericho.” The seventeen-mile stretch of road was dangerous because it curved through rocky and desolate terrain with many hiding places for thieves. The robbers in the parable did more than just take their victim’s money, however; they left him half dead on the road.

The first person to encounter the victim was a “priest.” The second was a “Temple assistant.” Both clearly saw the wounded man by the side of the road, yet they ignored him and continued their respective journeys “on the other side.”

Priests and Temple assistants had different jobs in and around the Temple. Priests performed the sacrifices. The assistants would help the priests, doing the work of today’s elders, deacons, custodians, assistants, musicians, movers, and other support staff. Temple worship could not have taken place without the combined efforts of these two groups. The Old Testament law demanded good deeds and caring for those who were hurt. Jesus’ story highlighted the shortcomings of the priest and the Temple assistant because they were required to provide care. Jesus didn’t say why these men ignored the man, just that they refused to help.

Getting Personal

In what ways have you “passed by on the other side” rather than getting involved in some complicated but compassionate action?

In the last couple of days, when have you seen someone in need? How did you respond?

In Jesus’ story, religious people went out of their way to ignore a person in need. Whether we are ministry professionals or laypeople, God expects us, his people, to be sensitive to others in need and to reach out. Yet often we act as if we haven’t seen the person’s need or decide that we’re too busy to stop. The world and our neighborhoods are filled with hurting people who need a touch, a bandage, a meal, a friend—and the words of eternal life.

Talking to God

As you tell the Lord that you are willing to help those in need, pray specifically about practical ways that might happen—in real time, with real resources.