The Cost Of Compassion

Introduction and Context:

• The Exchange Between Jesus and the Lawyer (Luke 10:25-29):

o A lawyer tests Jesus, asking, “What shall I do to inherit eternal life?” (v. 25).

o Jesus responds with a question, appealing to the Law. The lawyer recites the two great commandments (v. 27).

o Seeking to justify himself, the lawyer asks, “Who is my neighbor?” (v. 29).

• Purpose of the Parable:

o Jesus illustrates through the parable the expansive and inclusive nature of Godly love, challenging cultural and social norms of the time.

Key Points of the Parable:

A. Who is Our Neighbor? (Luke 10:30-35):

1. Setting: A man is attacked by robbers on the road from Jerusalem to Jericho (v. 30).

2. Responses by the Priest and Levite: Prominent religious figures pass by but fail to show compassion (vv. 31-32).

B. The Samaritan’s Response:

1. Demonstrates radical love and care despite deep ethnic and cultural tensions (v. 33).

2. Goes beyond simple assistance by providing prolonged care at personal cost (vv. 34-35).

Scripture: Proverbs 3:27 – “Do not withhold good from those to whom it is due, when it is in your power to act.”

C. What It Means to Love Our Neighbor (Luke 10:36-37):

1. Jesus redirects the question from “Who is my neighbor?” to “Who proved to be a neighbor?” (v. 36).

2. The lawyer answers rightly, “The one who showed mercy” (v. 37). Jesus commands him to, “Go and do likewise.”

Scripture: 1 John 4:7 – “Beloved, let us love one another, for love is from God.”

Lessons from the Parable:

A. Show Compassion Without Limitations:

1. Compassion is not contingent on status, nationality, or familiarity.

2. Reflects God’s indiscriminate love for humanity.

Scripture: Colossians 3:12 – “Clothe yourselves with compassion, kindness, humility, gentleness, and patience.”

B. Cross Social and Cultural Barriers:

1. The Samaritan overcame entrenched animosity to love a stranger.

2. God’s kingdom supersedes societal divisions and prejudices.

Scripture: Galatians 3:28 – “There is neither Jew nor Gentile, slave nor free, nor is there male and female, for you are all one in Christ Jesus.”

C. Practice True Religion:

1. The priest and Levite prioritized ritual purity over the call to mercy.

2. True religion involves active faith demonstrated through love and service.

Scripture: James 1:27 – “Religion that God our Father accepts as pure and faultless is this: to look after orphans and widows in their distress.”

Application for Believers Today:

A. Commit to Practical Acts of Love: Follow the Samaritan’s example by helping those in need, regardless of inconvenience or cost.

• Consider creating space in your life to care for the marginalized, the hurting, and the overlooked in society.

B. Challenge Prejudices: Identify and overcome biases that hinder you from loving others fully.

C. Live Out the Gospel: Love as Christ loves – sacrificially, without discrimination, and for the glory of God.

Scripture: Matthew 5:16 – “Let your light shine before others, that they may see your good deeds and glorify your Father in heaven.”

Challenge: Jesus’ final words in the passage, “Go and do likewise” (v. 37), remain a command for believers to live generously, compassionately, and courageously in their daily lives.