But a certain Samaritan, as he journeyed, came where he was: and when he saw him, he had compassion on him, and went to him, and bound up his wounds, pouring in oil and wine, and set him on his own beast, and brought him to an inn, and took care of him. Luke 10:33,34 KJV

But a Samaritan, who was on a journey, came upon him; and when he saw him, he felt compassion, and came to him and bandaged up his wounds, pouring oil and wine on them; and he put him on his own beast, and brought him to an inn and took care of him.   Luke 10:33-34 NASB

We are all familiar with the story of the “good Samaritan” from Sunday school days. Our familiarity may well rob us of some wonderful truths which are contained within its details. While the main application of the parable is not to the Lord Jesus (“Go and do thou likewise”), it would be spiritual blindness to fail to see in it some glimpses of His life. Consider:

The Concern

“As He journeyed …” The priest and Levite came “by chance.” But the Samaritan “journeyed.” It suggests purpose and awareness. Why did he have oil, wine, and bandages on his journey? Did he know that the Jericho road was a dangerous pathway and that he would encounter someone in need? He journeyed with the need of others in view.

The Care and Compassion

“When He saw him, He had compassion.” The sight which repelled the priest and Levite, only drew forth the compassion of the Samaritan. Wounds, nakedness, and a half-dead condition did not deter this traveler. Here was a man who could do nothing for him but for whom he was willing to show care. The man had been robbed so could never repay the kindness or expense involved. We can only imagine the tenderness with which he cared for his wounds; the gentleness of his touch and the thoroughness of his ministry to the wounded man.

The Cost

We are all aware of the two pence which were taken out and given to the inn keeper and the promise of repayment for anything additional. But there were other costs involved. Consider the danger in which the Samaritan placed himself. The thieves who had stripped him and left the traveler for dead could well be nearby. The Samaritan was risking his own life in stopping to meet the need of the wounded man. His own life was now placed in jeopardy. His own supplies of oil and wine were utilized to bring healing to the wounded man. He was putting the welfare of another before his own welfare (Phil 2:5-8) and serving him in his need.

Comfort and Convenience

The Samaritan had been riding his beast down the Jericho road; but now, the wounded man was placed on the beast. The wounded man rode, and the Samaritan walked. His own comfort and convenience were sacrificed for the welfare of another. All he had and all he had enjoyed were sacrificed for the healing of this one stranger, a man who would have been a bitter enemy if his condition had been different.

The promise to the innkeeper, the two pence, the instructions to “take care of him” – all foreshadowed another Who Sacrificed more and endured not only risk, but the reality of suffering and death for us.

Consider

• Can you draw any other parallels in our parable with the Lord Jesus Christ?
• We don’t normally think in terms of the Lord Jesus sacrificing comforts and conveniences for us but think of how this would apply to His eternal state in heaven.