Why We Should Be the Good Samaritan—And Why We Often Choose Not To
In one of His most famous parables,
Jesus tells the story of a man beaten, robbed, and left half-dead on the road
from Jerusalem to Jericho (Luke 10:30–37). Two respected religious figures—a
priest and a Levite—see him but pass by on the other side. Finally, a
Samaritan, a man from a people group despised by Jews, stops to help. He tends
the man’s wounds, places him on his own animal, brings him to an inn, and pays
for his care.
Jesus ends the parable with a
question: “Which of these three, do you think, proved to be a neighbor…?”
The answer is clear, and Jesus commands: “Go and do likewise.”
But why should we be like the Good
Samaritan? And why do we so often find ourselves acting more like the priest or
the Levite—walking past those in need?
Why
We Should Be the Good Samaritan
1.
Because Compassion Is the Fulfillment of the Law
When Jesus was asked what the
greatest commandment was, He said:
“Love the Lord your God with all
your heart, soul, mind, and strength… and love your neighbor as yourself.”
(Mark 12:30–31)
The Samaritan didn’t know the
wounded man, but he acted with genuine love, expecting nothing in
return. This is the kind of love God expects from His people—not selective, not
theoretical, but practical and selfless. As the Apostle Paul wrote, “Love is
the fulfillment of the law” (Romans 13:10).
2.
Because God First Showed Us Mercy
In the grander story of salvation, we
are the man on the side of the road. Humanity, beaten down by sin, was
passed over by law and religion—until Jesus came. He found us wounded and
helpless and poured out mercy, healing, and grace. In this sense, the Good
Samaritan represents Christ Himself.
We love because He first loved us (1
John 4:19). We show mercy because we’ve received mercy. Becoming the Good
Samaritan is not about doing good works to earn favor—it’s about reflecting the
grace we’ve already received.
3.
Because It’s How the World Sees Christ in Us
Jesus said:
“By this all people will know that
you are my disciples, if you have love for one another.” (John 13:35)
In a broken world full of
self-interest and indifference, compassion shines like a light in the darkness.
When believers act with sacrificial kindness—especially toward strangers,
enemies, or the undeserving—they reveal the character of God. The Samaritan had
every reason to ignore the wounded Jew, yet love overcame prejudice and fear.
This kind of love still disarms and transforms hearts today.
4.
Because We Never Know the Impact of One Act of Kindness
The Samaritan didn’t preach a
sermon. He didn’t quote Scripture. He simply showed up and took
action. And yet, this act has resonated for thousands of years.
Often, we underestimate the power of
one moment of mercy—a kind word, a timely gift, a quiet act of generosity. But
heaven does not. Jesus said even giving a cup of cold water in His name will be
rewarded (Matthew 10:42). When we show love, we partner with God’s purposes in
unseen ways.
Why
We Often Choose Not to Be the Good Samaritan
Despite all these reasons, many of
us still find ourselves walking past the wounded. Why? Jesus intentionally used
the examples of a priest and a Levite to show that even the religious and
respected can fail in love. Here are some of the reasons we might choose not to
act:
1.
Fear
Fear is powerful. The Jericho road
was dangerous—a perfect place for an ambush. The priest and Levite may have
feared for their own safety. Likewise, we fear being taken advantage of,
getting hurt, or being pulled into something messy.
Fear causes us to retreat from need
instead of stepping into it. But love—true, Christlike love—calls us to take
wise risks for the sake of another’s good.
2.
Inconvenience
Compassion is costly. It disrupts
our plans. The Samaritan interrupted his journey, spent his resources, and
promised to return. Today, we often bypass people in need because we feel too
busy, too tired, or too overwhelmed.
But love, by definition, interrupts.
If we wait until it's convenient to care, we’ll never do it.
3.
Self-Righteous Judgment
The priest and Levite may have
judged the man as foolish, irresponsible, or even cursed. Likewise, we often
justify inaction by thinking, “He brought this on himself.” “She made
bad choices.” “They don’t deserve help.”
But grace isn’t about who deserves
it. Jesus showed compassion to tax collectors, prostitutes, and criminals. If
we only love the deserving, we’ve missed the heart of God.
4.
Moral Disengagement
It’s easy to become desensitized.
The more suffering we see, the easier it is to look away. News feeds,
homelessness, and global crises can leave us feeling numb. Over time, we stop
seeing people—we just see problems.
Jesus saw people. He saw their pain,
their potential, their worth. So should we.
5.
Religious Formalism
Ironically, it’s often religious
people who struggle most with compassion. The priest and Levite may have
avoided the man to maintain ritual purity or avoid defilement. In modern terms,
we may be too focused on church activities, rules, or theological debates to engage
in real, messy love.
But Jesus didn’t come to build a
religious club—He came to seek and save the lost. And He tells us, “Go and
learn what this means: ‘I desire mercy, not sacrifice.’” (Matthew 9:13)
Conclusion:
Love as a Lifestyle
Becoming the Good Samaritan isn’t
about becoming a hero in every situation. It’s about living with open eyes,
open hands, and a soft heart. It’s about listening when the
Spirit prompts. It’s about loving your neighbor—even when it costs something.
Sometimes you will stop and obey.
Other times you may pass by and regret it. That’s part of the journey. What
matters is not perfection, but direction—a heart continually turning toward
love, mercy, and the way of Christ.
So, why should we be the Good
Samaritan? Because Jesus was one for us. And in a world full of
suffering, indifference, and excuses, one act of compassion can still echo into
eternity.
“Go and do likewise.” (Luke 10:37)
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