Our Scripture reading today is Luke 10:33-34, "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 bound up his wounds, pouring in oil and wine, and set him on his own beast, and brought him to an inn, and took care of him."
The parable told by the Lord Jesus continues. We, as well as the lawyer, learn about a Samaritan (Gentile) who is willing to help this badly beaten Jew. Remember, the parable is explaining to the lawyer who is his neighbour. There is no doubt the choice of a Samaritan helping a Jew would have shocked everyone who was listening to the parable. Jews and Samaritans despised one another in every way possible. This Samaritan went out of his way to help someone who probably would not have wanted it. He had compassion on his enemy.
It is possible to make a comparison between the Samaritan and Jesus. The Samaritan was an outsider but came just in time to meet the need. The Samaritan was prepared to help and went directly to the man in great need. The Samaritan met his current and future needs. God may have someone cross our paths today who needs compassion not condemnation. Take time to go to them and with God's help assess what they need. May the Spirit of God be allowed to help us speak the truth in love or just listen to their burden.