Scripture: Luke 10:25-37  

Meditation: 

Jesus offered this answer to an “expert in the law” who was testing his knowledge and interpretation of scripture. Who is my neighbor? Jesus replied with an unexpected parable – instead of focusing on the law, he focused on love, grace, and mercy. He wanted to show the Pharisees that God is a god of the “Both-And.” Law AND grace. Love AND anger. Mercy AND justice.  

After this man was attacked and left for dead, two men, both righteous and upstanding in the eyes of society, passed by — either in a hurry or too proud or self-important to stop for this marginalized person. They weren’t at fault — they hadn’t committed a crime — but there had been an injustice, and they failed to notice and/or engage. 

But the Samaritan noticed. He stopped and interrupted his journey (significantly! he is delayed a full day by taking the man to an inn) and showed compassion. Not only did his actions cost him time, but he also gave of his financial resources to cover lodging and medical care. He made sure this person was completely taken care of — he didn’t just offer a quick handout and move on with his journey. The Samaritan’s act of mercy was costly and disruptive to his plans.  

Mercy and justice go hand-in-hand in God’s kingdom. Jesus is showing the Pharisees this through the parable. When there is injustice, God is moved to pour out mercy. He expects the same of us as Christians.  

How often have we been distracted by our own plans or journey and not wanted to stop to help someone clearly in need? How often have we even failed to notice the hurt or sick or oppressed because, if we’re honest, we felt it was someone else’s job to do the hard work? 

Pray: Lord forgive me for acting like the priest or the Levite when you’ve called us to love our neighbor like the Samaritan. Jesus, create in me a heart of compassion so that I may see those in need and be moved into action, even at my own inconvenience or cost. Amen.