“He went to him and bandaged his wounds, pouring on oil and wine. Then he put the man on his own donkey, took him to an inn and took care of him.”
Luke 10:34
Attempting to justify himself, a man asks Jesus, “Who is my neighbor?” Jesus answers him in the form of a parable. In this story, a man going on a journey is attacked and left for dead. Two supposedly righteous men—a priest and a Levite—simply pass by the wounded man. But a third, a Samaritan, not only comes to the man’s aid, but also goes out of his way to provide hospitality for him at his own expense.
The fact that this was a Samaritan is notable. Samaritans were not welcomed guests amongst the Israelites. So it was the unwanted one who takes responsibility for his neighbor and plays host to this man in his need. The Samaritan gives us a glimpse of Jesus who came to His people as an unwelcomed guest (especially amongst the religious types). Jesus offered them the hospitality that they needed more than anything else.
It would be easy to ask ourselves, “How have I been a good Samaritan?” But that’s not the primary point. Think instead of how you’re like the wounded man, and though Jesus was unwelcomed, He bestowed on you His care and love.
The fact that this was a Samaritan is notable. Samaritans were not welcomed guests amongst the Israelites. So it was the unwanted one who takes responsibility for his neighbor and plays host to this man in his need. The Samaritan gives us a glimpse of Jesus who came to His people as an unwelcomed guest (especially amongst the religious types). Jesus offered them the hospitality that they needed more than anything else.
It would be easy to ask ourselves, “How have I been a good Samaritan?” But that’s not the primary point. Think instead of how you’re like the wounded man, and though Jesus was unwelcomed, He bestowed on you His care and love.
Scripture Focus
Luke 10:25-37
Insight
It is not simply that we need our spiritual hunger to be filled. Without Jesus’ hospitality, we are dead.
Bible In A Year
- Genesis 29-30
- Psalm 15
- Matthew 23