Introductory Thoughts
The Lord expects His followers to demonstrate the same compassion that He has for His creation. Perhaps, the best biblical example is the Samaritan mentioned in Luke chapter 10. The story begins with a man who took a journey to Jericho. On his way, evil men robbed and wounded him. As he struggled for his life, lying on the ground, a priest passed by him. The priest saw the man but passed on the other side. A Levite came and did likewise. Then a Samaritan (a person who was partly Jewish yet bitterly despised by the Jewish people) approached the man in need. Unlike the others, this man stopped and helped the injured man. He bound up the wounds, placed the man on his beast and took him to an inn. He paid for the inn and offered to pay any additional expenses.
Devotional Thoughts
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(For children): Jesus cares for others and wants us to do the same. If you saw someone get hurt, what should you do? How could you help if a friend was sick or lost his toy? How would he feel if you did not help?
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(For everyone): What are some reasons the men might offer for deciding to pass by the man in need? Would you offer similar reasons? Are these reasons good reasons for failing to help or just excuses?
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Since we understand that compassion is suffering with someone, in what ways did the Samaritan show compassion? What did he provide that he might otherwise have used for himself?
Prayer Thoughts
- Ask God to help you give of yourself when you see others in need of help.
- Ask theLord to help you caremore for others by putting them first.
Song
WHERE HE LEADS I'LL FOLLOW
