In these verses, we see the Good Samaritan not only checking on the man, but soothing his wounds, bandaging him, allowing him to ride his donkey (while he probably walked), and making sure he was well taken care of as he healed. Serving and having true compassion for others isn’t always easy and can get messy at times. We have been called to take the Gospel to the ends of the earth, and most of the time this requires us to get our hands dirty and go the extra mile even at the expense of our own safety and comfort. Today, let’s pray that God will helps us to serve others with a humble and willing attitude no matter how far out of our comfort-zone God may lead us.
Prayerfully,
Madison
photo credit: http://www.freeimages.com/photographer/Rotorhead-35574
In this passage, we are introduced to the familiar parable of the Good Samaritan. Jesus uses this illustration to teach and communicate several valuable lessons that we can incorporate into our into our daily lives. First, unlike the Priest and the Temple Assistant, who chose to pass by the Jewish man in need, it is important for us to understand that we are not better than those we are serving. The Bible tells us that we have ALL sinned and fall short of the glory of God (Romans 3:23). As the parable continues, we read that the “despised Samaritan” felt compassion for the man and did what he could to help him. As Christians, our hearts should be full of compassion for those in need, and it is our responsibility as the hands and feet of Christ to serve them as the Holy Spirit leads.
As Christians we have the law of love written on our hearts. The Holy Spirit dwells within us and through God’s mercy we have been given this ministry. All around us people are searching for hope, freedom, and love. As partakers of God’s incredible life-changing grace, it should be the desire of our hearts to tell them of this free gift of salvation. Today, pray for an opportunity to share the love of God with someone who is lost. Ask that the Holy Spirit will speak directly to their hearts so they may clearly understand that they are loved and that freedom can be found though Jesus Christ our Lord.