READ
REFLECT
What does it mean to be a Good Samaritan? Is a Good Samaritan someone who never fails to drop everything for someone in need? Do they always make whatever sacrifice they can to help someone out?
No. Because anyone who always showed up for people in need and never hesitated to help others would have a perfect track record. And Jesus Christ is the only One to walk the earth with a perfect track record.
You aren’t always going to be able to pull over to the side of the road to help someone out, donate to a cause you’re passionate about, or help someone get back on their feet. And that’s okay. Christ expects us to put in our best effort. As long as we are doing that, we are doing the right thing.
When He told the parable of the Good Samaritan, he counseled to have “mercy” on others and “go and do likewise.” When we are kind to others, we emulate Christ’s example.
Helping others doesn’t just make us feel good emotionally and mentally, it helps us unlock a deeper relationship with God. Hebrews 13:16 reads, “And do not forget to do good and to share with others, for with such sacrifices God is pleased.”
Much of today’s culture would have us believe that what matters is what is in it for us and how to benefit personally. As Christians, we do things for the benefit of Jesus.
Good Samaritans see through a Christ-centered lens.
RESPOND
Write down three ways you can be a Good Samaritan.
Commit Hebrews 13:16 to memory.
Read the story of the Good Samaritan a few times. Write down the feelings you have as you read the parable.
