Day 18

Luke 10-12

In the story of the Good Samaritan, the irony is clear. The two people of God who are charged with helping the needy are actually ignoring the needy. 

Jesus drops a bomb. To the expert, this “S word” might have been more offensive than any “S word” that we know. 

“But a Samaritan, as he journeyed, came to where he was, and when he saw him, he had compassion.” Luke 10:33 ESV

I find it funny that at the end of the story Jesus asked the expert, “Which of these three, do you think, proved to be a neighbor to the man who fell among the robbers?” (Luke 10:36)

The expert of the law can’t even bring himself to say the word “Samaritan.” He bows out with “the one who showed him mercy.”

Let us show mercy. Let us see the poor and show genuine compassion. There is a difference between sympathy, empathy, and compassion. 

Sympathy - A man is stuck in a well. You peep your head over to see him and you feel sorry for him. 

Empathy - A man is stuck in a well. You get down in the well with him and begin to feel what he feels. 

Compassion - A man is stuck in a well. You get down in the well with him and develop a plan to get both of you out. 

It’s not enough to feel bad or even empathize with those in need. We must show mercy and compassion, especially if we have the power to help make a difference!