In this part of the story, Jesus explains and illustrates the thoughtfulness and depth of service of the one who sincerely loves another in need. But, by implication, he also indicates the spirit in which we should receive another person’s compassion and care.
The expert of the law may not even have wanted a Samaritan to touch him,
let alone notice his predicament, go to him, bind up his wounds, pick him up and extend such massive hospitality towards him. But he has no choice.
The Samaritan seems to understand and painstakingly follows the law of loving a neighbour. He pays attention to the immediate situation (binds up the wounds), thinks of the comfort, safety and protection of his neighbour (puts him on his donkey and places him in the care of an innkeeper),
and is even concerned for his complete recovery (he pays the innkeeper to make sure that the man recovers completely and is left with no cost to himself).
Surely, this is how God is constantly taking care of you and me. He wants us to reach out to others with the same loving care that he gives to us, treating all others in the same way. He wants us to ‘do likewise’, following in the steps of Jesus and living out God’s image in
us.
What final lesson about neighbourliness does Jesus want me to take from this story?
How can I be a better neighbour and to whom?
How should I receive another’s compassion and loving care?
Reflections by Reggie Venter
