Get the appContagious Characteristics: CompassionSample
In today's reading, there are 5 major characters. We are introduced to the Jewish man, the robbers, the priest, the Levite, and the Samaritan. Let's discuss them more:
The Jewish man: The man who was traveling from Jerusalem to Jericho and was attacked by robbers.
The robbers: The group of men who beat up the Jewish man, took his belongings, and left him to die.
The priest: He was something like a local pastor. When the priest saw the Jewish man, he crossed to the other side of the road and ignored him. If the priest helped this man, it would make him unclean according to the law and he wouldn't be able to perform his duties at God's house (Lev 21:11-12).
The Levite (temple assistant): He was similar to a deacon, or someone who helps the pastor. Just like the priest, he saw the injured man and crossed to the other side. If the Levite would've helped this man, it would make him unclean and he also wouldn't be able to perform his duties at God's house.
The Samaritan: He is the man who stopped to help the Jewish man. During those times, Samaritans were hated by the Jews because of their mixed ethnicity and their disregard for Jewish beliefs. Jesus knew it would make his listeners angry if he told them a Samaritan helped the poor Jewish man. Nonetheless, when the Samaritan saw the man, he had compassion (Luke 10:33). He went over to him, put medicine and bandages on his wounds, transported the injured man on his donkey, and took him to the nearest hotel. The Samaritan gave the hotel manager enough money to care for the man, and even promised to pay the difference if the bill was more than he originally paid.
Despite race/ethnicity, the Samaritan saw a person who was in need and took the initiative to help.
Let's pray. Lord, I thank you for seeing me at my lowest and not crossing over to the other side. Help me to see those who are in need and do for them as You have done for me. You showed compassion to me so help me to have compassion for others. In Jesus' name, amen.
Reflection Questions:
1. Why might we have expected the priest and Levite to help?
2. How will the world be able to know we are Jesus' disciples? (John 13:35)
About this Plan
Spiritual maturity is measured by how we love, and how we love is measured by those we choose to show compassion to. In the story of the Good Samaritan, Jesus shows that our neighbor is not necessarily the person we like, but the person who is in need. Join us in this 5-day devotional as we unpack the meaning of compassion, and how it impacts us as children of God.
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