costly love

Luke 10:33-35

"33 But a certain Samaritan, as he journeyed, came where he was: and when he saw him, he had compassion on him,

34 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.

35 And on the morrow when he departed, he took out two pence, and gave them to the host, and said unto him, Take care of him; and whatsoever thou spendest more, when I come again, I will repay thee."

Jesus's parables often teach challenging lessons. We're studying the one commonly called the Good Samaritan—though Jesus never uses the word "good"; scholars applied that title centuries later.

Jesus tells the story in response to a religious expert's question: "Who is my neighbor?" A man traveling from Jerusalem to Jericho is attacked by robbers, stripped, beaten, and left for dead.

A priest passes by, sees him, and continues on the other side. A Levite (a temple assistant) does the same.

These religious figures—expected to show compassion—fail to act. This contrasts sharply with the unexpected hero: a Samaritan, despised by Jews, who sees the man and is moved with compassion to act.

He binds the wounds with oil and wine (for cleansing and soothing), places the man on his own animal, takes him to an inn, and cares for him personally. The next day, he gives the innkeeper two silver coins—about two days' wages—and instructs him to continue the care, promising to repay any extra costs upon his return.

The Samaritan exemplifies active, costly love that goes far beyond duty to help a stranger. His example has inspired countless acts of charity and ministries throughout history. Clearly, we are called to follow it.

But! There's more...