But he wanted to justify himself, so he asked Jesus, “And who is my neighbor?” In reply Jesus said: “A man was going down from Jerusalem to Jericho, when he was attacked by robbers. They stripped him of his clothes, beat him and went away, leaving him half dead. A priest happened to be going down the same road, and when he saw the man, he passed by on the other side. So too, a Levite, when he came to the place and saw him, passed by on the other side. But a Samaritan, as he traveled, came where the man was; and when he saw him, he took pity on him. He went to him and bandaged his wounds, pouring on oil and wine. Then he put the man on his own donkey, brought him to an inn and took care of him. The next day he took out two denarii and gave them to the innkeeper. ‘Look after him,’ he said, ‘and when I return, I will reimburse you for any extra expense you may have.’ “Which of these three do you think was a neighbor to the man who fell into the hands of robbers?” The expert in the law replied, “The one who had mercy on him.” Jesus told him, “Go and do likewise.”
Luke 10:29-37 NIV
Jesus answered the question, “Who is my neighbor?” with a parable, illustrating love through a man helping a fellow traveler. The Samaritan gave up his ride so the wounded one could make it to an inn. He spent the night nursing injuries, then pre-paid recovery expenses, promising the innkeeper more should it prove necessary.
Jesus is honored by our good responses to strangers in need—compassion, willing interruption, stepping into messy situations, time and money spent.
Another detail in the story merits attention. The first act Jesus describes is the Samaritan bandaging the victim’s wounds, pouring on oil and wine. What did the Samaritan use as bandages? Where did he get the oil and wine? Had he brought a first-century first-aid kit on the journey, just in case? Perhaps the items were already part of his cargo. Or did he pack with a purpose; ready to respond, to bind up, to love?
- Oil to comfort, to reduce swelling, and to quiet the burning and stinging.
- Wine to clean out the wounds, to wash away germs, stopping the chance of infection.
- Cloth bandages to slow or stop the bleeding, to seal things up so healing can begin.
Before leaving home, what can we pack for today’s journey to school, or work, or running errands—just in case we cross paths with a fellow traveler beaten and bloodied by life? Do you have a Scripture or two at the ready, passages of hope to soothe a sting?
Devotional moments in God’s Word help us to enjoy Jesus, to follow the Spirit, and to trust our Father. They also double as packing for the day’s ministry opportunities. Scriptures of grace and truth become oil and wine. Passages about God’s power, his mercy, and his faithfulness, become bandages for an on-the-go first aid kit.
Let’s go about our day watchful for the wounded; stopping to help might just save a life. Yes, they could require longer-term care from other sources, but a few minutes spent listening to them and pointing them toward hope in Jesus, could slow the bleeding so healing can begin.
Today is full of responsibilities, yet also a few unplanned opportunities and divine encounters. Are you packed for them?
“Lord Jesus, thank you for coming to me when I was helpless, dead in my trespasses and sins. Use me today to strengthen someone who feels robbed, attacked, wounded, or abandoned. Spirit of God, bring specific Scriptures to mind so that I might encourage them.
My day, as always, is yours. My schedule is interruptible. My time is shareable. My things are replaceable. I’m leaving home today with eyes up, watching for opportunities to love my neighbor, for the privilege of representing you.”
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