The priest and Temple assistant didn’t pass by the man who had been attacked because they were evil or because they wanted him to lie there in pain. They didn’t stop to help him because they were on their way somewhere else and didn’t have time to stop. The priest crossed the street so he could “keep it moving.” There was no time for distractions! The Temple assistant actually walked over and saw the man lying there but didn’t have time to offer assistance, so he crossed the street and went on his way.
These were people who had more important things to do. They did not have time for interruptions. How many times has your agenda for the day caused you to go through the day wearing blinders? Your idea of what your day should look like may cause you to believe that if something is not on your to-do list, then you simply don’t have time for whatever “it” is. (Father, please forgive us!)
But the Samaritan, a foreigner, saw the man and was moved with compassion. The Amplified Bible says that he was “deeply moved with compassion.” He bandaged the man’s wounds, put him on his own donkey, took him to an inn, and took care of him. And then, he paid the innkeeper to continue to care for the man. This was a total stranger who was deeply moved with compassion to help someone in need.
Sisters, take a look at yourself today and ask yourself, “Which of these people am I most like? Would I have crossed the street to avoid the man altogether? Would I have gone to take a closer look and be a spectator? Or would I have helped in whatever way that I could?”
The Manna Chef 