He Had Compassion

Jesus told a story about the Samaritan who helped a dying man alongside the road—a victim ignored by people who should have helped him. Then, a Samaritan, as he journeyed, came to where he was, and when he saw him, he had compassion, and went to him and bound up his wounds, pouring on oil and wine. . . . (Lk. 10:33 RSV)

Sometimes our journey as Christians leads us into difficult circumstances. We often struggle and wonder why because we do not understand what has happened or why it happened. We might be wounded as a result of our failure to walk uprightly with God—or we might be wounded because someone attacked us when we were defenseless. We may be suffering from one huge blow—or from incidents that repeatedly reopened festering sores.

Whatever our condition, circumstance, or problem, we need healing.

In this parable, the Samaritan traveler represents Jesus. And Jesus knows how to bind wounds! He pours forth His oil and wine—healing agents during Biblical times and symbols of the Holy Spirit throughout Scripture.

If we trust Him, we can count of Him to do the same for us. Jesus has compassion, and He brings healing.

Originally published May 14, 1982.