Creating a Legacy of Love
But a certain Samaritan, as he journeyed, came where he was. And when he saw him, he had compassion on him, and 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 took care of him.
Luke 10:33-34
In Luke 10:25, we read of a certain lawyer, who knows the law, but yet asks Jesus, “Teacher, what shall I do to inherit eternal life?” Jesus answers the question with a question, “What is written in the law? What is your reading of it?” This lawyer knew the answer, gave Jesus the correct answer, but wanting to justify himself, he asks, “And who is my neighbor?”
Jesus begins to tell the parable of a certain man that went from Jerusalem to Jericho and fell among thieves, stripped of his clothing, wounded and left half dead. A certain priest and a Levite saw him but did nothing. A certain Samaritan saw him and had compassion on him. He went to him, bandaged his wounds, pouring on oil and wine, set him on his own animal, brought him to an inn and took care of him. Before departing, he gives the innkeeper two denarii to take care of him and promises to repay him if he spent more.
Jesus asks the lawyer, “So which of these three do you think was the neighbor to him who fell among the thieves?” He answers, “He who showed mercy on him.” Then Jesus said to him, “Go and do likewise.”
Seven years ago, my husband was deployed to Iraq and we celebrated our 22nd anniversary via Skype. This was our second deployment so we knew not to have high expectations on special occasions and to just share our love virtually as best as we could. However, this particular anniversary was difficult for us. There was a helicopter crash involving two of the pilots that were serving with my husband and brother. My husband was one of the primary leaders in charge and became heavily involved in making sure every protocol was followed precisely after the crash. Needless to say, the anniversary celebration via Skype was cut short and to the point – love, compassion and thankfulness.
A couple of weeks after the crash, I had the opportunity to attend a Fallen Comrade Memorial Service honoring four of the Tennessee National Guardsman that died, two by natural causes and the two helicopter pilots. It was emotional and all I could think about was why them, why so young, and what if it was my husband or brother. I witnessed a group of people loving their neighbor, showing compassion to one another and genuinely taking care of each other. For a brief moment in time, there was no rank, no race, and no religion. I believe that moment was just another example set for us to “Go and do likewise.”
Application Questions
- Who is God sending you out to share His love, mercy and compassion with?
- What are you trying to justify so that you do not have to show compassion to those in need?
- How are you showing compassion to those in need?
Dear Heavenly Father,
Thank You for the “Samaritan’s” in my life that showed compassion towards me when I needed it most. Now, I humbly ask You to show me who I need to share Your love, mercy and compassion with and how to be that “Samaritan” in their life. Convict me when I try to justify myself instead of showing compassion to those in need. In Jesus’ name I pray, Amen.