“The Gift of Mercy…”

In Luke 10:30-17 is, I believe, one of Jesus’ most famous sermons and a great lesson in life for us.

A certain man was traveling from Jerusalem “down” to Jericho. The man fell among thieves, who stripped him of clothes, took everything he had, and left him “half dead” on the side of the road. The good thing was that “a Priest and a Levite” (two religious people) were coming that way. But both of them “passed by on the other side!” (What hypocrites!) But, along came a Samaritan (a class of people who were despised)! What did this “evil man” do? He poured oil and wine on the wounds, put the man on his own mule, and took him to a hotel. He said, “Feed him and care for him and I will pay you when I get back.” (Which we know he did!)

Jesus asked His disciples, “Who was the “neighbor” to this man??” They answered, “The one who showed mercy.”

Sherry Burnette