The Good Samaritan Shows us our Need for God’s Mercy

Those who show kindness to strangers are often called “Good Samaritans” in our culture.  This term has become a common expression for lavish, sacrificial kindness – especially when it is extended to stranger.

However, the lesson of the Good Samaritan is not just a call to help those in need.  It is more than a model of social justice.  It is simplistic to understand the story only to mean that Jesus is asking us to be kind to strangers.

Jesus told this story in order to illustrate how far short we fall of the law’s demands.  It is an illustration of how, in spite of all our good works, we will never do enough to be right with God.  The law demands such a high standard of perfection that we could never attain it.

In fact, you might be the greatest humanitarian and philanthropist in the world and still fall tragically short of earning God’s grace.  Our works will never be enough.  We need God’s mercy.

The Samaritan in Jesus’ parable in Luke 10 made one extraordinary sacrifice after another The Samaritan gave up his own clothes, his supplies, his time, a night’s sleep, and a significant sum of cash all for a man he’d never met who would have considered him an enemy.  The Samaritan never stopped to ask, “Who is my neighbor?”  He knew that his neighbor included anyone who was in need.

At this point, we have to be honest with ourselves.  If we encountered a similar situation in our lives, we would think the Samaritan’s generosity was a bit excessive.  We might see a person in need and give them a few dollars.  If we are feeling exceptionally generous we may even buy them a meal or some groceries.  But, do you always set aside everything to help out a total stranger who is in need?

Have you ever single-handedly provided for all the needs of someone who you don’t even know?  The Samaritan set this example: he bandaged his wounds, fed him, stayed with him through the night and paid for all his food, housing and medical care.  Have we even once loved a stranger in that way?

Do you know who we do show this kind of care and attention to?  Ourselves!  We care for ourselves in this way.  We sometimes care for family members and close friends sacrificially.  But this kind of care for a stranger is simply not often done – especially when that stranger is considered an enemy.

If loving my neighbor as myself is a requirement for heaven, then my good deeds fall desperately short of God’s standard of perfection here!  I’ve done a few generous things for a few people on a few occasions in my life, but all the time?  I can’t say that I show this kind of sacrificial love to other people very often.  Do you?  Probably not.

Jesus tells this parable so that we might begin to understand the impossibly high standard the law set for us.  It is a rebuke to the lawyer and also to us.  We don’t love our neighbors like that – not even the ones we like!  The law demands perfection and every time we gaze into perfection, it causes us to come undone!  If salvation requires perfection then we are doomed!  We need a Savior.  

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