“‘Which of these three do you think was a neighbor to the man who fell into the hands of robbers?’ The expert in the law replied, ‘The one who had mercy on him.’ Jesus told him, ‘Go and do likewise.’”–Luke 10:36-37
The parable of the Good Samaritan is one of the best known of Jesus' teachings. But it is one that consistently challenges me. Most of the time the challenge hits directly at what I tend to spend time doing - taking care of my needs and wants - and not thinking about the needs and wants of others. But the Samaritian was righteous because he looked after the needs of another person, and some would say the needs of an enemy. What a challenge! To have mercy on an enemy, on someone we think did something wrong to us or to a loved one!
As I watched the news this week, I saw this story of the Good Samaritan played out all over the world ... and not always with a happy ending. I saw military personal attempting to rescue people only to end up massacred in a road side bomb. I saw young people protesting, only to end up arrested. I saw people standing up for a convicted murderer only to have him put to death. These people were attempting to be merciful, to help someone in need of assistance or justice or freedom - and yet it didn't end up as nicely as Jesus' parable.
But then as I thought a bit longer, I realized we don't really know what life was like for the Samaritan once he helped the enemy. Maybe his friends were mad at him. Maybe his family didn't understand. Maybe people mocked him, called him names or didn't want him around. Maybe his life was totally transformed because of his act of mercy. Jesus seems to be saying that it doesn't matter who you are or who the person in need is or what the result of your actions are - helping/having mercy/being moved to act in compassion are ALWAYS the right response for a follower of Christ - no matter the cost.
This discipleship thing is not easy - it costs a lot - but ultimately I have to believe it is worth it! Because imagine life is there was no one moved by faith to have compassion? That was the other option in this story. The man was not dead - but those who should have helped left him for dead to take care of their own wants and needs - he could have died. The Samaritian weighed the cost and found mercy to be the best option - no matter the cost!
Wow! again I'm challenged!
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