A Heart that Sees

Luke 10:25–34 CEB

25 A legal expert stood up to test Jesus. “Teacher,” he said, “what must I do to gain eternal life?” 26 Jesus replied, “What is written in the Law? How do you interpret it?” 27 He responded, “You must love the Lord your God with all your heart, with all your being, with all your strength, and with all your mind, and love your neighbor as yourself.” 28 Jesus said to him, “You have answered correctly. Do this and you will live.” 29 But the legal expert wanted to prove that he was right, so he said to Jesus, “And who is my neighbor?” 30 Jesus replied, “A man went down from Jerusalem to Jericho. He encountered thieves, who stripped him naked, beat him up, and left him near death. 31 Now it just so happened that a priest was also going down the same road. When he saw the injured man, he crossed over to the other side of the road and went on his way. 32 Likewise, a Levite came by that spot, saw the injured man, and crossed over to the other side of the road and went on his way. 33 A Samaritan, who was on a journey, came to where the man was. But when he saw him, he was moved with compassion. 34 The Samaritan went to him and bandaged his wounds, tending them with oil and wine. Then he placed the wounded man on his own donkey, took him to an inn, and took care of him.

A Heart that Sees

What kind of eyes do you have?

When someone asks you that question, you usually tell them your eyes' color. The color of the iris dictates the color of the eye. Irises are classified as one of six colors: amber, blue, brown, gray, green, and hazel. Although our usual pattern of thought, when asked about what kind of eyes we have, is to think about their color, today I want us to consider a different response as we look at the parable Jesus told in Luke 10.

In this parable, he talks about three kinds of eyes: three people's and two different kinds of eyes. That parable, known as the Good Samaritan, is a story about a man who was robbed and left for dead and the unexpected kindness shown to him by a Samaritan. Let's review the setting and why Jesus told this story.

Imagine a moment of profound significance, where a legal exper, a Pharisee, approaches Jesus with a question that carries the weight of eternity: 'Teacher, what must I do to inherit eternal life?' This question, not born out of idle curiosity but designed to test Jesus, sets the stage for a transformative teaching moment.

Jesus, with his profound understanding of the human heart, doesn't offer a simple answer. Instead, he poses a question of his own: 'What is written in the Law? How do you read it?' The Pharisee, deeply knowledgeable in the scriptures, responds with the two great commandments: 'Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your strength and with all your mind' and 'Love your neighbor as yourself.'

But here's the twist in the story:. Instead of engaging in a theological debate, the Pharisee is met with a story—a parable that bypasses the complexities of legalistic interpretations and speaks directly to the core of love and compassion. The Pharisee, perhaps expecting a discourse on the finer points of the Law, is instead confronted with a narrative that challenges his understanding of righteousness and love.

Seeing Beyond the Surface

Imagine the scene on a dusty road where a person lies beaten, robbed, and abandoned. Passersby hurry past, their eyes perhaps glancing at the wounded figure but quickly moving on. Among them are a religious leader and a respected member of the community, both esteemed figures known for their devotion and adherence to the law. Yet, as they see the injured person, their eyes fail to truly see them. Their sight is superficial, merely registering a problem to avoid rather than a person to help.

In their hurried steps and averted gazes, we see a reflection of our own tendencies. How often do we, like the priest and the Levite, glance at the surface of a situation or a person's outward appearance without genuinely seeing the depth of their need? We may pass by those hurting, marginalized, or needing compassion, not out of malice but out of a lack of genuine sight. For instance, think about the times when you saw a homeless person on the street and walked past without offering any help. Was it because you didn't care or because you didn't truly see their need?

Jesus lays out the story there in verse 30

Luke 10:30 CEB

30 Jesus replied, “A man went down from Jerusalem to Jericho. He encountered thieves, who stripped him naked, beat him up, and left him near death.

The distance from Jerusalem to Jericho is approximately 17 miles as the crow flies. However, the actual distance traveled along the winding road would have been longer. The road between these two cities was known for its rugged terrain and steep descent, making it susceptible to bandit attacks during ancient times.

The road descends from about 2,500 feet above sea level in Jerusalem to about 1,300 feet below sea level near Jericho, leading to a significant drop in elevation. This descent creates a challenging and treacherous journey, especially for travelers on foot or with animals, as they navigate the rocky and winding path.

Jesus tells us that this man is attacked, beaten nearly to death, stripped naked, and having everything stolen from him. He is left there for dead.

He was probably bleeding from knife wounds and broken bones. In the culture of the time, blood was considered unclean. Anyone who had open wounds would be viewed as unclean and, therefore, untouchable. No one would want any part of this—and they thought their law permitted them to avoid the situation so they would not become unclean. However, this victim was all alone and had severe injuries that needed bandaging and medication. No help was on the way.

Have you ever been left alone in a vulnerable and helpless state? It’s a horrible feeling.

So we see the dire condition of this man—robbed of his belongings, stripped of his garments, beaten, bleeding, unclean, half dead, and left all alone. Fortunately, this crime happened on the main road between Jericho and Jerusalem, so there were likely frequent travelers. Jesus told about three of them.

Luke 10:31 CEB

31 Now it just so happened that a priest was also going down the same road. When he saw the injured man, he crossed over to the other side of the road and went on his way.

I like how Jesus introduces us to the priest by saying “Now it just so happened that a priest was also going down the same road.”

The first person to come upon the scene was a priest, a figure of religious authority in the community. As he approached and saw the injured man lying on the roadside, his initial reaction was not one of compassion but of caution. This priest may have just completed his duties at the Temple in Jerusalem, a significant and demanding responsibility.

In Jewish tradition, maintaining ceremonial purity was of the utmost importance, especially for a religious role like a priest. The law, as outlined in Numbers 19:11, prescribed seven days of uncleanness for anyone who came into contact with a dead body. This uncleanness would have prevented the priest from performing his sacred duties, including leading worship and offering sacrifices at the Temple.

Confronted with the potential of encountering a dead man and thus becoming ceremonially unclean, the priest found himself in a moral quandary. He was torn between the risk to his ritual purity and the immediate human need and suffering before him. In the end, he chose to prioritize his religious obligations over compassion.

The priest's actions, while understandable within the framework of Jewish purity laws, serve as a stark illustration of a deeper issue. They underscore how strict adherence to religious rules can sometimes eclipse the call to compassion and mercy. Jesus, in his parable, uses this contrast to provoke his listeners to reassess their priorities and to delve into the true meaning of loving one's neighbor as oneself.

Luke 10:32 CEB

32 Likewise, a Levite came by that spot, saw the injured man, and crossed over to the other side of the road and went on his way.

The Levite, like the priest before him, chose to pass by on the opposite side upon seeing the injured man (Luke 10:32). This repetition of religious authorities' indifference to human suffering is not a mere coincidence, but a stark illustration of a deeper issue within their response.

It's worth considering that the Levite, upon encountering the wounded traveler, might have hesitated for a multitude of reasons. Perhaps he was unsure of the severity of the man's injuries, or he was concerned about the potential danger of the situation. These possible reasons, while understandable from a human perspective, reveal a lack of immediate compassion and action.

What is truly paradoxical about the priest's and the Levite's responses is the stark contrast between their roles as religious intermediaries, entrusted with representing God's compassion and justice, and their failure to extend mercy and aid to a fellow human being in need. This disconnect between their religious duties and their lack of immediate action to care for the vulnerable is a profound question that begs to be answered.

The priest and the Levite, in their actions, present a stark contrast between religious obligation and compassionate response. Their failure to engage with the suffering of the beaten traveler raises profound questions about the nature of religious practice, forcing us to reflect on the true essence of fulfilling one's duty to God.

As we reflect on the reactions of the priest and the Levite in the parable of the Good Samaritan, a story where a man is left half-dead on the road and is ignored by a priest and a Levite, we are confronted with a stark contrast between the superficiality of religious duty and the depth of genuine compassion. These figures, esteemed in their roles within the religious community, exemplify a common human tendency—to prioritize rituals and regulations over immediate acts of kindness and mercy.

As we peer beyond the surface, we are not only confronted with the actions of the priest and the Levite, but also with a personal challenge. We are asked to scrutinize the lenses through which we view the world and the people around us. Do we focus solely on maintaining ceremonial purity, or do we truly see the profound needs and humanity of those in distress? The priest and the Levite's responses underscore the tension between religious obligation and the call to compassionate action, a tension we must all grapple with.

The Heart That Sees with Compassion

Now, let us turn our attention to the heart that sees with compassion—the transformative response embodied by the Good Samaritan in this timeless parable. The Good Samaritan, despite being from a different religious and cultural background, showed mercy and kindness to the wounded man, going above and beyond what was expected or required. This is the kind of compassion that we should strive to emulate in our own lives.

Luke 10:33–35 CEB

33 A Samaritan, who was on a journey, came to where the man was. But when he saw him, he was moved with compassion. 34 The Samaritan went to him and bandaged his wounds, tending them with oil and wine. Then he placed the wounded man on his own donkey, took him to an inn, and took care of him. 35 The next day, he took two full days’ worth of wages and gave them to the innkeeper. He said, ‘Take care of him, and when I return, I will pay you back for any additional costs.’

The third traveler, who approached the wounded guy, came across a sight that demanded more than just observation. His heart was moved with compassion when he saw the injured traveler, pushing him to act despite whatever personal reservations or hesitations he might have had.

The identification of the compassionate individual—the Samaritan—adds to the significance of this plot twist. In that cultural environment, the Jewish community treated Samaritans with contempt and hate. The separation between Jews and Samaritans was deep, shaped by generations of hostility and discrimination. However, in this story, the Samaritan is portrayed as the embodiment of compassion and goodness.

The Samaritan's deeds reveal much about the genuine nature of kindness and compassion. He didn't only feel sorry for the injured man; he took practical actions to alleviate his misery. From responding to his wounds and providing urgent care to ensuring continuous assistance at an inn, the Samaritan's efforts show a willingness to get engaged, accept responsibility, and use personal resources to make a big difference.

Furthermore, the Samaritan's care did not stop with immediate help. He made continuous care and support plans, displaying a long-term concern for the injured traveler's well-being. His statements to the innkeeper—"When I return, I will reimburse you for any extra expenses you may have"—emphasized his genuine care and attention to meeting the traveler's needs.

In short, the Samaritan's example calls us to go beyond feelings of pity and actively connect with those in need. True charity entails not only empathizing from a distance but also taking meaningful action, accepting responsibility, and making sustained efforts to bring about positive change in the lives of others.

To see something and have compassion means more than just acknowledging a situation or feeling sorry for someone—it involves a deep, visceral response that moves one to action. The Greek word for "compassion" reflects this profound emotional and physical reaction, as it translates to "to be moved as to one's bowels," signifying a feeling that resonates deeply within a person, akin to feeling it in one's gut.

Jesus praised the Samaritan for having eyes of compassion, emphasizing the importance of not just seeing but being stirred to act upon witnessing someone in need. Unlike the priest and the Levite, who saw but remained unmoved, Jesus encourages his followers to have hearts that respond with compassion-driven action.

The Gospels show numerous examples of Jesus demonstrating this compassionate response. In Matthew 9:36, He was moved with compassion for the distressed and downcast crowds, recognizing their need for guidance and care. Similarly, in Matthew 14:14, Jesus felt compassion for the sick and healed them, showcasing His empathy and willingness to alleviate suffering.

Luke 7:13 recounts Jesus's response to a grieving widow, where His compassion led Him to console and offer words of comfort. Additionally, in Mark 8:2, Jesus's compassion extended to those who were hungry, prompting Him to provide nourishment for the crowds who had followed Him.

In each instance, Jesus's compassion wasn't passive or superficial—it spurred Him to take tangible actions that addressed people's physical, emotional, and spiritual needs. As His followers, we are called to emulate this deep-seated compassion that moves us beyond mere observation to active engagement and care for others.

Challenged to See and Respond

The parable of the Good Samaritan indeed encapsulates three distinct philosophies of life, each reflected in the actions and attitudes of the characters involved.

Firstly, the robbers embody a philosophy characterized by selfishness and exploitation—"What's yours is ours, and we'll take it." Their approach is aggression and greed, where they prioritize their desires and material gain at the expense of others.

Secondly, the priest and the Levite represent a philosophy of indifference and self-preservation—"What's ours is our own, and we'll keep it." Their decision to pass by the wounded man reflects a mindset focused on maintaining personal comfort and avoiding inconvenience or risk, even when confronted with human suffering.

In contrast, the Good Samaritan embodies a philosophy of compassion and generosity—"What's mine is yours, and we'll share it." His actions demonstrate a willingness to extend oneself for the well-being of others, showing that true fulfillment comes not from hoarding or indifference but from genuine acts of kindness and solidarity.

To summarize these philosophies succinctly:

The robbers' philosophy: "Beat him up!"

The priest and Levite's philosophy: "Pass him up!"

The Samaritan's philosophy: "Pick him up!"

This breakdown highlights the fundamental choices we face in how we engage with the world and interact with those around us—whether we choose selfishness, indifference, or compassion and generosity as guiding principles in our lives.

How can we cultivate eyes of compassion?

A. Remove judgmental glasses. It's common to view those in need through a lens of judgment, attributing their circumstances to personal failings. Thoughts like "They should've been more responsible" or "They brought this upon themselves" can cloud our ability to empathize. Perhaps the priest and the Levite fell into this trap, silently passing judgment on the victim's plight.

B. Embrace a servant mindset. Instead of assuming the role of a judge, remember that our calling is to serve. Questioning why someone is in need or making assumptions about their situation is not our place. When we adopt a judgmental stance, we elevate ourselves to a position of authority that we aren't meant to occupy. We should focus on serving others, not passing judgment (Matthew 7:1–5).

C. Practice the Golden Rule. Put yourself in their shoes. If roles were reversed, what would you hope for? As Jesus taught in Matthew 7:12, the Golden Rule applies here: "Treat others the way you want to be treated." Applying this principle means extending the same compassion and support to others we would desire in their situation.

By actively removing judgment, embracing servanthood, and living by the Golden Rule, we can develop compassion that sees beyond surface judgments and responds with empathy and kindness to those in n

Jesus, in telling the parable of the Good Samaritan, beckons us to a deeper vision—a vision that sees beyond the surface, beyond the labels and categories that society imposes. The Samaritan, often despised by the Jewish audience of Jesus' time, undergoes a profound transformation. He not only sees the wounded man but also feels a deep well of compassion for him. His eyes perceive not just a stranger in need but a fellow human being deserving of care and kindness. This transformation is a testament to the power of compassion and the potential for change within each of us.

This challenges us to examine the eyes through which we view the world. Do we see with the eyes of judgment, quick to categorize and dismiss? Or do we see with the eyes of compassion, willing to pause, to engage, and to extend a helping hand? To cultivate a compassionate perspective, try to put yourself in the other person's shoes, listen without judgment, and look for opportunities to help others.

A Heart that Sees

Jesus's commendation of the Samaritan's compassionate eyes was not a mere accolade but a call to action—a call for us all to cultivate eyes of compassion that drive us to prioritize the needs of others. The Samaritan didn't just see the victim's plight; he felt it deeply and acted decisively. He didn't pass by with indifference or judgment but stopped, assessed the situation, and took meaningful steps to help.

Now, consider your own vision. Do you see with compassion, or are your lenses clouded by judgment and indifference? Look around our community—what needs do you see? Are your compassionate eyes prompting you to respond, to step out of your comfort zone, and to make a difference?

Jesus's commendation of the Samaritan underscores a crucial point: compassion that doesn't lead to action is incomplete. It's not enough to acknowledge needs; we must actively engage with them, prioritizing compassion over convenience and comfort. The Samaritan changed his plans, adjusted his schedule, and prioritized the victim's needs. What adjustments are you willing to make to prioritize compassion in your life?

Remember Jesus's call to "Go and do the same." Let us develop eyes of compassion that not only see but also act, transforming our communities one compassionate deed at a time.