June 30th, 2025
by Brandt Leich
by Brandt Leich
June 10, 2025
“Moved by Compassion”
“But a Samaritan, as he journeyed, came to where he was, and when he saw him, he had compassion.” Luke 10:33 (ESV)
There are eight times in Scripture where Jesus is either described as being moved with compassion or teaches on the subject. The Greek word used for 'compassion' is splagchnizomai, which refers to being deeply moved from the gut—it’s more than sympathy or pity. It describes a visceral reaction that compels a person to act. To be moved with compassion, biblically, is not just to feel something, but to be so stirred that you step into the need with mercy and action. In two of those instances, including the Parable of the Good Samaritan here, He’s trying to show us what it looks like to extend God’s heart to others.
In this story, Jesus contrasts two religious insiders—a priest and a Levite—with a Samaritan, an outsider viewed with suspicion and disdain by most Jews of the time. The expected “heroes” walked by. But the one people least expected to respond was the one who stopped, saw the need, and acted with compassion.
Jesus was showing us something profound: real love isn’t proven in status, titles, or appearances. It’s revealed in how we respond to those in need. The religious leaders in the parable walked past, missing an opportunity to reflect the heart of God. They had position and spiritual responsibility, yet failed to recognize the sacred moment right in front of them—a chance to show mercy. Jesus uses this moment to challenge all of us: will we let religion keep us at a distance, or will we let compassion draw us near?
The Samaritan was the one extending the heart and hand of God on this day. He didn’t rationalize, theologize, or delay. He simply acted. He reached out a hand, stepped into discomfort, and took on the burden of someone else’s pain. That’s the kind of love Jesus came to model—a love that isn’t rooted in religious ritual or personal gain, but in seeing people the way the Father sees them. The man in the parable needed a neighbor. And in the Samaritan, he found one.
The truth is, religion without compassion is powerless, "faith without works is dead". It keeps us focused inward, concerned with image more than impact. But Jesus came to turn that kind of religion on its head. He didn’t come to reinforce societal norms or uphold the approval of religious systems. He came to reveal the heart of the Father—the heart that breaks for the hurting, the forgotten, the overlooked.
But here’s what makes this story even more personal: the man on the side of the road isn’t just someone else—it’s all of us. Every one of us has been broken, left wounded by the world, and in desperate need of mercy. But here’s the hope: we’re no longer on the side of the road—because someone in our life extended the heart of the Father, pointed us to Jesus, and helped us find our ultimate healing and salvation in Him.
Jesus is the ultimate Good Samaritan. Through this parable, He’s helping us see a glimpse of His own mission—stepping into our brokenness, drawing near in compassion, and doing what religion alone could never accomplish. Just as He didn’t pass by our pain, we’re called to do the same. Someone extended the heart of the Father to us—now it’s our turn to step in, to reach out, and to be the Good Samaritan for someone else. May we be moved by that same kind of compassion—not just for those who are easy to love, but for anyone in need of mercy and grace.
Reflection Question:
Who in your life needs to experience the kind of compassion Jesus talked about—and what’s stopping you from stepping in?
Prayer:
Jesus, thank You for seeing me in my brokenness and moving toward me with compassion. Help me not to walk past the needs around me. Open my eyes, soften my heart, and give me the courage to love others the way You have loved me. Amen.
“Moved by Compassion”
“But a Samaritan, as he journeyed, came to where he was, and when he saw him, he had compassion.” Luke 10:33 (ESV)
There are eight times in Scripture where Jesus is either described as being moved with compassion or teaches on the subject. The Greek word used for 'compassion' is splagchnizomai, which refers to being deeply moved from the gut—it’s more than sympathy or pity. It describes a visceral reaction that compels a person to act. To be moved with compassion, biblically, is not just to feel something, but to be so stirred that you step into the need with mercy and action. In two of those instances, including the Parable of the Good Samaritan here, He’s trying to show us what it looks like to extend God’s heart to others.
In this story, Jesus contrasts two religious insiders—a priest and a Levite—with a Samaritan, an outsider viewed with suspicion and disdain by most Jews of the time. The expected “heroes” walked by. But the one people least expected to respond was the one who stopped, saw the need, and acted with compassion.
Jesus was showing us something profound: real love isn’t proven in status, titles, or appearances. It’s revealed in how we respond to those in need. The religious leaders in the parable walked past, missing an opportunity to reflect the heart of God. They had position and spiritual responsibility, yet failed to recognize the sacred moment right in front of them—a chance to show mercy. Jesus uses this moment to challenge all of us: will we let religion keep us at a distance, or will we let compassion draw us near?
The Samaritan was the one extending the heart and hand of God on this day. He didn’t rationalize, theologize, or delay. He simply acted. He reached out a hand, stepped into discomfort, and took on the burden of someone else’s pain. That’s the kind of love Jesus came to model—a love that isn’t rooted in religious ritual or personal gain, but in seeing people the way the Father sees them. The man in the parable needed a neighbor. And in the Samaritan, he found one.
The truth is, religion without compassion is powerless, "faith without works is dead". It keeps us focused inward, concerned with image more than impact. But Jesus came to turn that kind of religion on its head. He didn’t come to reinforce societal norms or uphold the approval of religious systems. He came to reveal the heart of the Father—the heart that breaks for the hurting, the forgotten, the overlooked.
But here’s what makes this story even more personal: the man on the side of the road isn’t just someone else—it’s all of us. Every one of us has been broken, left wounded by the world, and in desperate need of mercy. But here’s the hope: we’re no longer on the side of the road—because someone in our life extended the heart of the Father, pointed us to Jesus, and helped us find our ultimate healing and salvation in Him.
Jesus is the ultimate Good Samaritan. Through this parable, He’s helping us see a glimpse of His own mission—stepping into our brokenness, drawing near in compassion, and doing what religion alone could never accomplish. Just as He didn’t pass by our pain, we’re called to do the same. Someone extended the heart of the Father to us—now it’s our turn to step in, to reach out, and to be the Good Samaritan for someone else. May we be moved by that same kind of compassion—not just for those who are easy to love, but for anyone in need of mercy and grace.
Reflection Question:
Who in your life needs to experience the kind of compassion Jesus talked about—and what’s stopping you from stepping in?
Prayer:
Jesus, thank You for seeing me in my brokenness and moving toward me with compassion. Help me not to walk past the needs around me. Open my eyes, soften my heart, and give me the courage to love others the way You have loved me. Amen.
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