JESUS SPEAKING
“Who is my neighbor?” Jesus answered him saying: “A certain man went down from Jerusalem to Jericho, and fell among thieves, who stripped him of his clothing, wounded him, and departed, leaving him half dead. Now by chance a certain priest came down that road. And when he saw him, he passed by on the other side. Likewise a Levite, when he arrived at the place, came and looked, and passed by on the other side. But a certain Samaritan, as he journeyed, came where he was. And when he looked upon him, he had compassion. So he went to him and bandaged his wounds, pouring on oil and wine; and he set him on his own animal, brought him to an inn and, and took care of him. The next day, when he departed, he took out two denarii, gave them to the innkeeper, and said to him, ‘Take care of him; and whatever more you spend when I come next time, I will repay you.’ So which of these three do you think was neighbor to him who fell among thieves?” And he said, “He who showed mercy on him.” Then Jesus said to him, “Go and do likewise” (Luke 10: 29 – 37.)
INSPIRED THOUGHTS
Samaria consisted of a community of pagan individuals living within the borders of the nation of Israel (just north of Jerusalem); as non-Hebrews they frequently engaged in immorality and idolatry; for this reason they were despised by most religious Israelites. In fact, when traveling, many orthodox Jews would contemptuously journey around Samaria rather than through it. After Jesus had confirmed the importance of loving one’s neighbor, he was asked to define what constituted a neighbor. His reply came in the form of a story; in the narrative a man was beaten and left for dead on the side of the road; two religious Jews passed by, without stopping to help (one a priest, and the other a supposed man of God.) Soon after, a Samaritan happened by, and his heart was filled with compassion. In order to preserve the man’s life, he gave of his time, his money, and his resources. He showed true mercy and great generosity. Many today, like the priest and the Levite are so concerned with what lies ahead that they fail to stop and help those who are hurting and in need of assistance.
Some time ago, during a cross-country meet in Minnesota, a young man named Mark Paulauskas was injured in the first half-mile of a two mile race. He had been spiked by another runners cleats (a wound that would eventually require 20 stitches and a walking boot.) As Paulauskas cried out in agony, most of the other runners passed him by; they were focused more on the finish line than on the pain of an ailing opponent. Yet, one individual heard his cries and was moved with compassion. A runner named Josh Ripley willingly abandoned his vision of victory in order to stop and help; without hesitation he picked up Mark Paulauskas and carried him a half-mile back to the starting line. After handing his wounded competitor in to the arms of the coaches, Josh Ripley sprinted off in to the wilderness to complete his race. Although he did not win, he was victorious in the eyes of God.
Our fleshly nature commonly causes us to become so focused on what lies ahead that we ignore those who are right beside us. If we are not careful we can pass by those who are hurting, and ignore the call of God to ‘love our neighbors as ourselves.’ The world is cold and apathetic; yet in the midst of indifference, there are those who show great compassion and mercy; they give selflessly; they love unconditionally; they are examples of God’s Spirit in action; they are followers of Jesus Christ. They are friends; they are family; they are neighbors; they are Christians.
“Lord Heavenly Father, may we always show sympathy toward those who are hurting and in need. May we be relieved of indifference and filled with mercy. May nothing ever be more important than compassion, nor greater than love. Fill us to overflowing with Your Holy Spirit, that we might be examples of Your warmth in a world that is cold and apathetic. We love You Father, we praise You, and we thank You, and we ask and pray all of these things in Jesus Christ’s name. Amen.” God bless all of you.
Jesus Speaks 