“But a Samaritan, as he traveled, came where the man was; and when he saw him, he took pity on him. He went to him and bandaged his wounds, pouring on oil and wine. Then he put him on his donkey, brought him to an inn and took care of him…Go and do likewise.” Luke 10:33-37

Jesus is an incredible storyteller. He never seems to waste words and takes every opportunity to teach us more of what it looks like to follow Him. How many times have you heard or read the story He told about the Good Samaritan who showed mercy? Sometimes one part of it stands out and another time, something completely different. Several things hit me today, but right now I am thinking about how this injured man was traveling along and “fell into the hands of robbers” (Luke 10:36). He lays there helpless and is passed by. Then a man comes along and uses his hands to tend wounds and move him to safety.

Where do you see yourself in the story? I have been all the characters it seems. Sometimes the one that passed by and another, the one on the side of the road. Even the one who injures and then the one that shows mercy. The man might not have been able to prevent the attack, but the ones that saw him had a choice to make. They had to decide what they would do with their hands. It seems like in the end, the heart that was full of mercy used his hands to heal. May we each go and do likewise.