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THE GOOD SAMARITAN
Jesus replied,
“A man was going down from Jerusalem to Jericho and fell into
the hands of robbers who stripped him, beat him, and went away,
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. But a Samaritan while traveling
came near him and, when he saw him, he was moved with pity. He
went to him and bandaged his wounds, having poured oil and wine
on them. Then he put him on his own animal, brought him to an
inn, and took care of him. The next day he took out two denarii,
gave them to the innkeeper and said, ‘Take care of him; and when
I come back, I will repay you whatever more you spend.’ Which of
these three do you think was a neighbor to the man who fell into
the hands of the robbers?” He said, “The one who showed him
mercy.” Jesus said to him, “Go and do likewise.”
Why are these Samaritans so often portrayed
in the Bible as less than desirable people? They weren’t very
popular with the Jews, but this one Samaritan at least had an
enviable capacity for helping others.
Even today we see many instances of people
doing heroic feats to save others during disasters. We see
people step up to help out those they don’t even know. Yet it
appears we only hear about these good deeds during bad times.
What about regular times?
Are we too much like those who passed by
the injured man? Do we have too many excuses that prevent us
from helping? Or can we be Good Samaritans as we travel down the
road of daily life? When you get too much change, do you return
it? When someone drops an item, do you pick it up and give it to
them? Being a Good Samaritan doesn’t mean you always have to do
good in big ways. The little ones add up. Help at a soup kitchen
and feed the homeless. Volunteer to teach Sunday school. Read to
a child at your neighborhood school. Just jump in to help those
around you.
There are many in need. Remember what Jesus
said: “Whatever you did for one of the least of these brothers
of mine, you did for me.”
Dear Lord, show us the ways we can
relieve others’ suffering. Give us the courage to be helpful to
others. Lead us to hear your Word that whatever we do for the
least of these, we do for you. Amen
Bob Weaver
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