Luke 10:33 (CSB)
33 But a Samaritan on his journey came up to him, and when he saw the man, he had compassion.
Most are familiar with the story of the Good Samaritan, but today as I read the story, I noticed something new. Usually as I read the story, I think about, “Who is my neighbor?”. I’m challenged to examine my heart for racist attitudes. Or maybe I’m even amazed at the bravery of the Samaritan. Today something else caught my attention.
The eyes.
Some say the eyes are the window to the soul. In Matthew Jesus says, Matthew 6:22 (CSB)
22 “The eye is the lamp of the body. If your eye is healthy, your whole body will be full of light.” This is exactly what we see in the parable of the Good Samaritan. The Priest and the Levi both saw the badly beaten man, but their instinct was to walk to the other side. Their eyes revealed their soul.
The Samaritan, however, was moved with compassion. He forgot about himself and saw the need of his neighbor. The root word for compassion means: to eat up the inside. It is closely related to the word used to describe the eating of the sacrifice. It is a word that refers to the strong emotion that stirs us from the inside out. Compassion means to have pity on or have one’s heart go out to someone.
The Samaritan shows us his compassion. First, he risks his safety to help the injured man. It could have been a trap, or the thieves could have still been in the area. Second, he ministered to the man’s needs. And finally, he set no limit on what he would do, Luke 10:35 (CSB)
35 The next day he took out two denarii, gave them to the innkeeper, and said, ‘Take care of him. When I come back, I’ll reimburse you for whatever extra you spend.’”
The problem with the expert in the law that was questioning Jesus is his eyes were focused on himself. He wanted to “justify himself” not help his neighbor. The Samaritan in the story was focused on the need of his neighbor.
In the coming weeks and months, we are going to be challenged to examine where our eyes are concentrating. The longer this crisis continues, the harder it will be to remain centered. Where are your eyes focused?
Announcements:
I want to thank those of you who have continued to support our church with your offerings and tithes during this crisis. The longer this crisis continues, the greater the needs in our community will become. If you would like to give online, visit our website www.pinerbaptist.org, and click on the giving tab at the top of the page. Your donation is secure and will be deposited in the church’s account.
Thanks for your continued provision of food to help feed Piner Elementary families during this time. Bring your items to the church by Wednesday, so that they can be delivered by Friday. Jody has requested the following items: Canned Soup and Fruit, Spaghetti and Sauce, Mac & Cheese, Boxed Cereal, Peanut Butter & Jelly, and Crackers. But any items are appropriate. We are helping the families of the same 25 children who were involved in the food for thought program. Jody expects the needs to increase the longer this crisis continues. I hope we will sacrificially give to this vital ministry. Some of the parents have been laid off, and some are in quarantine. They need our help.
I want to include our children in this project of helping needy families. Have them write cards that we can include in these bags of groceries, just to let them know that Piner Baptist is praying for them.
SUNDAY SCHOOL, WEDNESDAY NIGHT ZOOM SCHEDULES!
Amy sent out an e-mail today with the schedule for the Sunday Schools and when and where on zoom they will be meeting. The young couple’s class will be meeting on Sunday nights at 8:30. Contact Nathan Gilbert for more information about that class. If your class is not on the list, you can choose another class. If you did not get an email, contact Bro. Mark and he will secure the information for you.