The Samaritan

The text for this lesson is located in Luke 10:25-37.  Upon reading this passage, one realizes the world we live in would be better if more people had the attitude of the Samaritan.  The Samaritan....

Had Compassion

          Upon seeing the victim who had fallen among thieves (Lk. 10:30), the Samaritan came to where he was and had compassion (vs. 33).  Compassion is a positive characteristic to have.  According to Vine’s Expository Dictionary of New Testament Words, to have compassion means:  “To be moved as to one’s inwards, to be moved with compassion, to yearn with compassion.”  Jesus was a man of compassion (Matt. 9:36, 14:14, 20:34; Mk. 1:41; Lk. 7:13).  As Christians, we must have compassion on others (1 Pt. 3:8; 1 Jn. 3:17).

Made Use of the Opportunity

          Many today allow opportunities to pass them by.  Helping the distraught man was within the Samaritan’s means and ability and he used that opportunity.  The Bible says we are to help others (Gal. 6:10).  When we know to do good and refuse to do so, we have sinned (Ja. 4:17).  Notice what the Bible says:  “Withhold not good from them to whom it is due, when it is in the power of thine hand to do it” (Prov. 3:27).

Went the Extra Mile

          The Samaritan could have simply given the man some money and went his own way.  In fact there are many things the Samaritan could or could not have done.  But what he did is what makes him a great example for us.  The Samaritan:  Went to the man (Lk. 10:34), bound up his wounds (v. 34), poured oil and wine on them (v. 34), set him on his own beast (v. 34), took him to an inn (v. 34), took care of him (v. 34), gave the inn-keeper money to care for him (v. 35), and promised to repay if the cost was in excess of what he gave (v. 35).  The Samaritan exceeded what would be the expectation of our day.  Jesus teaches us to go the extra mile (Mt. 5:41,42).  We must be ready to every good work (Ti. 3:1) and give to those who are in need (Eph. 4:28).

          Upon giving this teaching, Jesus said to the inquiring lawyer, “Go, and do thou likewise” (Lk. 10:37).  Let us purpose to be compassionate toward others, make use of our opportunities, and go the extra mile.  May God bless you in serving him!

- Donnie Oliver