Luke 10:33

New International Version

But a Samaritan, as he traveled, came where the man was; and when he saw him, he took pity on him.

For Meditation

Three travelers encountered a critically injured man on the road from Jerusalem to Jericho. The first two—a priest and a Levite—men revered for their devotion, just passed by. They chose ritual purity over compassion.

In contrast to the priest and Levite, the third person—a Samaritan, perhaps a busy businessman—could not ignore the hurt man. He saw they were both human and acted kindly, even though their peoples were not friendly toward one another.

“But a Samaritan, as he traveled, came where the man was; and when he saw him, he took pity on him” (Lk. 10:33).

 May our eyes and hearts be open to see as the Samaritan saw, letting compassion move us to action.

Motivated by this compassion, the Samaritan set aside his affairs, used his precious wine and oil to tend the man’s wounds, and carried him to an inn. He remained overnight to protect him and gave generously for his continued care.

While the priest and Levite just saw a hurt man and walked on, the Samaritan saw someone who needed help and gave it. By showing this difference, Jesus let the law expert answer his own question (36-37).

Ultimately, the difference lay in compassion. A heart filled with compassion kindles unselfishness and moves us to help others, thus revealing Christlike behavior within us. Throughout Jesus’ ministry, He did good to the suffering out of His compassionate heart. In Matthew 14:14, we read:

“When Jesus landed and saw a large crowd, he had compassion on them and healed their sick” (cf. 9:36; Mark 6:34).

Compassion is an attitude rooted in God’s own heart for broken humanity (Exod. 34:6-7). His unfailing compassion renews us every morning and empowers us to be the same to others (Lam. 3:22-23).

Paul praises the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Father of compassion, and God of all comfort, who comforts us in all our troubles, so that we can comfort those in trouble with the same comfort we have received (2 Cor. 1:3-4). This is what the Samaritan had over the priest and the Levite. How, then, can we have this attitude?

The gift of the Holy Spirit makes our hearts tender and compassionate, enabling us to share them by valuing the interests of others rather than our own (Phil. 2:1, 3-4). It is possible if we commit from the heart.

Being neighbors, therefore, comes from compassionate hearts, not from time or resources. And if we determine to live this way, God will glorify Himself through us.

Pray with Me

Father of compassion, fill my heart with Your love. Make me sensitive to others’ pain and ready to offer Your healing for their sake and to give You praise in Christ Jesus, amen.

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