Living out the Good Samaritan

On one instance, Jesus was confronted by a religious expert. Jesus then replied to him with a story to illustrate an important point. This story has since been known as the "Good Samaritan". You can read about it by clicking the link here.

I am not sure how these parables got their unofficial names,

but if you read it, perhaps a more apt title for the story would be

"the Parable of the Merciful Samaritan".

Regardless, there have been many times where I have seen a fellow human in need, yet I failed to apply this scripture and practice mercy to passers-by.

There was one time I was driving down the road near Murdoch Train Station and I saw a woman to my left. She was on the pavement floor - weeping in ragged clothes.

My brother was sitting in the passenger seat and we were rushing somewhere.

A dozen thoughts went through my mind in an instant.

"Ah, my brother is going to think I'm crazy if I stop to help her"

"This thing I need to get to is more important"

I let the excuses and the fear of other's opinions get in my way of obeying the lesson taught by Jesus. And just like that, I was no better than the Levite or the Priest in Jesus's story.

I arrived home that day filled with regret. But it was a lesson I would take to heart for the future.

Quite a few years after this incident - well, last night actually (20th October 2025) - I was driving on my way back home after a Bible study with some friends,

When I saw a man with his car parked at the side of the road. He was squatting behind it, and the car's tail lights were flashing. It looked as if his car had broken down.

And guess where it was?

At almost the exact area where the lady was crying before: Murdoch Train Station.

I was not going to live another day of regret.

I quickly made a left turn and found a parking spot near the station. I got out of my car.

"Hup two, hup two" I chanted under my breath as I jogged towards where the man was, breathing in the cold night air. In moments like this I like to assume my identity as a soldier of Christ.

I had a plan in my head. I'll shout out "Hey brother! Need some help?". I'll then help in whatever capacity I could - whether it's shining a light on his car or calling a repair man.

Then, once that was done, I'll just share with him that I'm a Christian and that Jesus loves him so much He died on the Cross for his sins. That way, I'd assist him not just in this physical and temporary life but also in the spiritual and eternal one.

I enact phase one of my plan.

"Hey brother! Need some help?" I shout and wave.

He turns and stares at me.

"Yes, could you pray for me?"

I'm a bit bewildered for a moment.

Yet, this is not the craziest thing that has happened to me as a Christian, so I quickly shrug it off.

"Yes! Of course!" I respond enthusiastically.

"I think God really sent you here today for me, man. Are you a Holy Spirit led believer?" he questions me.

I have to think for a minute.

"Yeeeahh? I guess you could say that!"

"Alright then, just pray for me, whatever is on your heart."

"Okay! Alright..." I close my eyes and bow my head.

(As I retell this story to my mother the day after, she tells me that maybe I should have prayed with my eyes open for saftey precaution)

My conscience tells me that I should wait for God to impress something on my heart before I speak, but I just ramble on.

"Uhhh... Dear Father in Heaven ... could you ... uhh... hmm ... may Your will be done today, right at this moment, right now. In Jesus Name, amen."

I open my eyes. I see him standing there, looking distantly and nodding.

"Okay. Thank you bro."

"No worries. Is there any issue with your car?" I gesture towards his still unmoving vehicle.

"No, no issues with the car. It's another thing." He replies.

"Oh... okay!" I nod. "Bye!"

I walk off. The job's done.

As I'm walking back, I turn around to check if anyone is following me.

Lo and behold, he's walking behind me.

As someone who is no stranger to street conflict in the past, my guard is up immediately.

Though, having an extensive background in martial arts and self-defence, I have some level of confidence in protecting myself. Plus, in my personal walk with God lately, I believe that He has given me the assurance that He would protect me if I ever found myself in a tricky situation.

"Hi brother!" I wave again. "What's up?"

"Could you pray for me one more time?" he questions uncertainly.

"Yes! Sure! But this will be the last prayer, okay?"

"Okay."

This time, I have an opportunity to make things right. I still my heart and try to listen to the Holy Spirit before praying.

Twenty seconds pass. And then thirty.

Then, I hear his breath. It's heavy and laboured. Almost unnatural.

"Father in Heaven, I'm just praying for my brother in Christ here, may you give him Your peace. For it is written "For he himself is our peace". Would you take this anxiety away from him in whatever he is facing in his life right now. In Jesus Name, amen."

I open my eyes.

I see him look up to the heavens and breathe a huge sigh of relief.

"Thank you bro."

"No problems. Can I give you a hug?" I ask.

"Yeah, if that's ok."

We hug.

"You're a good man," he smiles at me, as he turns to leave.

"I'm just a sinner saved by grace, man," I smile back.

End.