The Good Samaritan - Troy Postlethwait

I want to speak to your heart today, just as Jesus did when He shared the parable of the Good Samaritan. Let’s begin with this: the purpose of your life, your very existence, is to prepare for eternity. You and I are here striving for the crown of life-an everlasting life free from pain, sorrow, and death. But to inherit this, you must decide to follow the path laid out by Jesus. That begins with obedience to the gospel, a decision that could change your eternity.
Here’s the truth: you need to believe. Not just in a vague sense but in truly believing that Jesus Christ is Lord and His Word calls you to live a transformed life. Belief moves you to repentance-not just feeling sorry for the past but actively changing your life, thoughts, actions, and direction. And when you’re ready to make that change, baptism is the next step-a burial in water for the forgiveness of your sins. When you rise from that water, you are a new creation, clean and whole before God. From there, your journey is one of faithfulness, striving to walk with God each day until you receive that crown of life.
Now, let’s look at the heart of Jesus’ teaching today-the parable of the Good Samaritan. You’ve likely heard this story many times, but have you truly understood it? This isn’t just a tale of kindness; it’s a challenge to seeing others and living out our faith.
A lawyer seeking to test Jesus asked what he must do to inherit eternal life. Jesus directed him to the law, where he answered rightly: love the Lord with all your heart, soul, strength, and mind, and love your neighbor as yourself. But when the lawyer tried to justify himself by asking, “Who is my neighbor?” Jesus responded with this powerful parable.
A man, beaten and left for dead on a dangerous road, was ignored by a priest and a Levite-religious men who should have been the first to help. Instead, a Samaritan, despised by the Jews, was the one who showed compassion. He bandaged the man’s wounds, carried him to safety, and provided for his care. At the end of the story, Jesus shifted the question not to “Who is my neighbor?” but “Who was a neighbor to the one in need?” The answer was clear-the one who showed mercy. And Jesus’ command? Go and do likewise.
This parable teaches us who our neighbors truly are: anyone in need, regardless of race, nationality, or religion. It also challenges us to love as God loves. Compassion isn’t just a feeling; it’s a commitment to act, risk, sacrifice, and give even when it’s inconvenient.
In this story, the priest and the Levite failed, not because they didn’t know the law, but because they didn’t live it. They knew the words but didn’t practice them. What about you? Are you a hearer of the Word only, or are you a doer? Pure and undefiled religion isn’t about appearances-it’s about loving others in tangible ways, especially when it costs you something.
Compassion requires crossing boundaries, taking risks, setting aside your own plans, and making sacrifices. The Samaritan risked his own safety, used his own resources, and interrupted his journey to help someone in need. Jesus calls you and me to do the same. The question is: are you willing?
Today, I ask you to examine your righteousness. Is it like the priest and the Levite, who knew what was right but didn’t act? Or is it like the Samaritan, who saw a need and responded with love and mercy? The answer determines the kind of person you are-and ultimately, the kind of eternity you will inherit.
Jesus commands us to “go and do likewise.” Live a life that exceeds the shallow righteousness of outward religion. Love as He loved. Serve as He served. Only then can you have the assurance of entering the kingdom of heaven. And remember, this level of righteousness is only possible because of the salvation Jesus offers. Without Him, none of this is attainable.
So, if you’re not a child of God, you have a choice today. Believe in Him, repent, and be baptized. Become a new creation and live the life He’s called you to live. Don’t let this moment pass you by. Choose to follow Him-today.