Go, Do the Same!
Luke 10:25-37
Years ago, my father drove a long-haul tractor-trailer truck. He often told us about incidents he experienced along the roadside—flat tires, accidents, and car trouble. Tractor-trailer drivers would pull over to lend a helping hand. I experienced this kind of assistance personally one morning. My car had a flat tire, and our one-year-old son was traveling with me. Sitting on the side of the road, two different truck drivers stopped to help me put the spare tire on my car. What a gesture of compassion for this young mom!
Various religious leaders often came to Jesus with unrelenting questions. One man who was an expert in the law came to Jesus “to test Him” and asked, “Teacher, what shall I do to inherit eternal life?” (Luke 10:25)
And he answered, “You shall love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your strength and with all your mind, and your neighbor as yourself.”
- Luke 10:27
The man wanted to justify his actions, so he asked Jesus, “And who is my neighbor?”
- Luke 10:29
You may be very familiar with this story. Let’s examine it together and glean some helpful insights from Jesus’ powerful teaching.
Jesus replied, “A man was going down from Jerusalem to Jericho, and he fell among robbers, who stripped him and beat him and departed, leaving him half dead. Now, by chance, a priest was going down that road, and when he saw him, he passed by on the other side. So likewise, a Levite, when he came to the place and saw him, passed by on the other side.
- Luke 10:30-32
I’d like us to put on new glasses and consider this man—a person—who is physically and emotionally hurting. Was the man unconscious? We know he was bleeding. Was he groaning and crying for help? Two different men walk along the road and avoid the man. Can you imagine them staring and keeping their distance as they hurry past him?
But a Samaritan, as he journeyed, came to where he was, and when he saw him, he had compassion. He went to him and bound up his wounds, pouring on oil and wine. Then he set him on his own animal and brought him to an inn and took care of him. And the next day he took out two denarii and gave them to the innkeeper, saying, ‘Take care of him, and whatever more you spend, I will repay you when I come back.’
- Luke 10:33-35
Here comes the third man—a despised Samaritan. I think it’s interesting that Jesus included this detail in His story. Jesus highlights the third man’s response and actions. Wow! These three verses give us keen insight into the statement, “Love your neighbor as yourself.” I have read verses 33-35 numerous times over the past few days.
He came near the man.
He saw him.
He had compassion.
He cared for the injured man.
He gave money from his personal resources.
The dictionary defines compassion as “sympathetic pity and concern for the sufferings or misfortunes of others, accompanied by a strong desire to alleviate the suffering.” Here is an essential key to this passage. The Samaritan put compassion into practice. He came near, saw this man, and he had compassion.
“Now, which of these three would you say was a neighbor to the man who was attacked by bandits? ”Jesus asked. The man replied, “The one who showed him mercy.” Then Jesus said, “Yes, now go, do the same.”
- Luke 10:36-37
Head to Heart
I am often guilty of the “Busy-Hurry” syndrome. My main priority is running through my day and checking off my to-do list. But with this focus, I miss opportunities to come near to people. I’m not suggesting that we must stop and “take care” of every person we meet. But what if God wants me to show compassion and care to someone? Will I slow down long enough to notice the person?
Do you see people? Are you able to come close to them and spend time with them? I want to encourage each of us to offer compassion, care, and kindness. When you notice a person, take the time to share a compliment, a word of gratitude, or show compassion and care for them.
Put on then, as God's chosen ones, holy and beloved, compassionate hearts, kindness, humility, meekness, and patience.
- Colossians 3:12
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