The Good Samaritan is one of the most famous parables told by Jesus in the Bible. It speaks of crossing ethnic and social prejudices to help someone in need. Luke 10: 33-34 says, “But a Samaritan, as he journeyed, came to where he was, and when he saw him, he had compassion. He went to him and bound up his wounds, pouring on oil and wine. Then he set him on his own animal and brought him to an inn and took care of him.” The Samaritan did not need to help the fallen man. In fact, two other men had passed by on the opposite side of the street in order to avoid him. It is ironic then, that the Samaritan was the one who crossed by to help, considering that in that day Samaritans were considered outcasts. The noteworthy fact, is that if the roles were reversed, based on racial prejudices the fallen man would most likely not have helped the Samaritan.

The Good Samaritan is well known, and most people have heard the story multiple times. However, how often does the theme of the story affect one’s everyday life. On Wednesday, Pastor Trey talked about how this story shows us how to serve people that might be different than us, and love people that may not be the same. He tied it into a broad spectrum of serving others, from helping homeless, to sitting with someone who doesn’t have anybody to sit with at lunch. This week, may we learn from the Good Samaritan, and extend mercy and love to each person that we come into contact with, regardless of race, ethnicity, social status, likes, and dislikes.