Day 128 – Compassion takes action

Study Luke 10:30-35

“But a certain Samaritan, as he journeyed, came where he was. And when he saw him, he had compassion.” Luke 10:33

To answer the lawyer’s question, Jesus told the story of a man travelling from Jerusalem to Jericho. The road was known for danger and robbery, making the setting immediately familiar to His listeners.

The traveller was attacked, robbed, beaten, and left half dead. A priest soon came by. He saw the wounded man but crossed to the other side of the road. Later a Levite arrived and did exactly the same thing.

Both men saw the need. Neither man met the need. We can imagine dozens of excuses. Perhaps they were busy. Perhaps they felt unsafe. Perhaps they believed someone else would help. Whatever their reasons, the wounded man remained alone and suffering.

Then came an unexpected hero: a Samaritan. The Jews and Samaritans deeply disliked one another. If anyone had reason to ignore the injured man, it was this Samaritan.

Yet compassion moved him to action. He bandaged the man’s wounds, treated them with oil and wine, placed him on his own animal, brought him to an inn, cared for him personally, and paid for his ongoing recovery. His compassion was costly. It required time, effort, inconvenience, and money.

Many people feel sympathy when they see suffering. Compassion goes further. Compassion does something. The Samaritan also paints a beautiful picture of Jesus. Like the Samaritan, Jesus came to us when we were helpless, wounded by sin, and unable to save ourselves. He met our deepest need at great personal cost to Himself.

Pray with me: Lord Jesus, thank You for showing compassion to me when I was helpless. Fill my heart with Your love and teach me to respond actively when I see needs around me. Amen. ©

Love, Iriza