“He went over to him and bandaged his wounds, pouring on olive oil and wine” (Luke 10:34).

We don’t know his name.

We simply call him the “Good Samaritan” because that’s what he was. Unlike the priest and the Levite who walked by on the other side, this hated Samaritan cared enough to get involved. He had as many reasons to pass by on the other side, but he didn’t.

He saw the man.
He bandaged his wounds.
He poured on oil and wine.

Then he took him to an inn where the man could get the help he needed. He even gave the innkeeper money and promised to return later and pay for any extra expenses.

Here is the kicker: The two men who should have shown compassion—didn’t. And the one who wouldn’t have been expected to—did. The religious leaders knew the truth and did nothing about it. The Samaritan was an outcast, but he knew the truth, and his compassion moved him to action.

Once upon a time a man fell into a pit and couldn’t get himself out. A sensitive person came along and said, “I feel for you down there.” A practical person came along and said, “I knew you were going to fall in sooner or later.” A Pharisee said, “Only bad people fall into a pit.” A mathematician calculated how far he fell. A news reporter wanted an exclusive story on his pit. An IRS agent asked if he was paying taxes on the pit. A self-pitying person said, “You haven’t seen anything until you’ve seen my pit.” A mystic said, “Just imagine you’re not in a pit.” An optimist said, “Things could be worse.” A pessimist said, “Things will get worse.” When Jesus saw the man, he took him by the hand and lifted him out of the pit.

Jesus is our Good Samaritan. He had mercy on us when we were left for dead by the side of the road. Here is a message for those who are still lying by the road, wounded and bleeding, forgotten and abandoned. This story is for those who have been destroyed by sin. Jesus comes to help you. Will you not give him your heart? Will you not love him and trust him and serve him? Will you not believe in him? The Good Samaritan comes to save you. Will you not trust him as Lord and Savior?

He has already come for you.
He is waiting for you to come to him.

Lord Jesus, thank you for being my Good Samaritan. When everyone else passed by on the other side, you came from heaven to rescue me. Amen.

Musical bonus: Brandon Heath has recorded a new Christmas song called King of Kings.