Compassion For The Needy

Compassion for the Needy

Read: Luke 10:25-37

“A priest happened to be going down the same road, and when he saw the man, he passed by on the other side.”

Luke 10:31

“By compassion we make others’ misery our own, and so, by relieving them, we relieve ourselves also.”

—Sir Thomas Browne

IN WORD The priest and the Levite are easy targets. Their negligent behavior in this story is so apathetic, so self-centered, that we have no trouble knowing whom to point our fingers at. But this is not a story about finger- pointing. It is about becoming like Jesus. Just as we were helpless and He showed us mercy, others are helpless and we are to show them His mercy. This is our command regardless of interpersonal barriers. Labels like “Samaritan” are not relevant.

Jesus’ point about the priest and the Levite, of course, is that they were not compassionate. But He also implies that we live in a world full of them. There are many of them traveling down the road. Nearly everyone in need will have been passed by several before a true neighbor comes along. Jesus isn’t just condemning Levitical hypocrisy; He’s casting His revealing light on the ugliness of human nature. When we see people in need, most of us would prefer not to get involved.

The parable of the Good Samaritan is an accurate picture of our world. Most people are missing the mark; few have found true meaning. There are many robbers who plunder, many priests and Levites who are negligent, and many innkeepers who will intervene if they’re paid for it. And, in a sense, every one of these is as miserable as the helpless victims lying by the side of the road. The only person in this story who could possibly have a satisfying life is the Samaritan. The others, in pursuing their goals, miss the ultimate meaning of them all.

IN DEED Look at the story of the Good Samaritan as a parable of human nature. Do you want to be satisfied in life? Understand the robbers, priests and Levites, innkeepers, and victims; have compassion on them all for the misery they’re in. Above all, be like the Samaritan who shows tangible mercy. Be like Jesus.