Did you ever like a guy so much that you went out of your way just to catch a glimpse of him? That drive can change your Bible study.

Mike caught my eye early in the school year. He was in my fourth period science class. I loved how his hair hung over his forehead, how his mouth tweaked into a half smile before he spoke. Fourth period became the highlight of my day, but seeing him then wasn’t enough. I began to play the “see Mike” game from the moment I got to school until I went home.

That same eager search, sense of need, and hope rewarded can become yours and my daily experience as we study the Bible. The reason I open my Bible every day is to see someone far more wonderful than my teenaged heart throb.

My story

I passed the homeless woman again yesterday. She looked hot and hungry. I wanted to stop and at least give her a fast food gift card, but I was on the wrong side of the street and late for an appointment. I felt guilty as I sped by, but I did pray for her. This morning I’m still thinking about it.

I open my Bible to the next chapter of Luke, and wouldn’t you know, I come across the story of the Good Samaritan (Luke 10:25-37). I don’t even want to read it. Jesus is answering a lawyer’s question, “What must I do to inherit eternal life?” Jesus says it involves loving God completely and loving your neighbor deeply, something I know I failed to do yesterday.

Jesus said to him, “You have answered correctly. Do this and you will live.” Luke 10:28

I admit I behaved a lot more like the priest who hurried by on the other side of the road. I guess I need to try and act more like the Good Samaritan next time, stop and help, even if it means spending time and money I don’t think I have.

I say a quick prayer and start to close my Bible.

His story

What I didn’t realize is that the story Jesus told wasn’t about me or the lawyer who had asked him the question, it was about him. He knew that both of us would never love God or our neighbor enough to merit eternal life. He wasn’t asking either of us to try harder next time. He was crushing us with the law.

Now we were both ready to see him, the one who obeyed the law perfectly.

You see, Jesus is the Good Samaritan. No one had compassion like he did. He always saw those who were suffering. He noticed them and stopped. He took care of them personally, sparing no expense, not even his own life. That’s what he wanted the lawyer to see. That’s what he wants me to see. I need someone to love me like that, perfectly and sacrificially. You see, I’m not the Good Samaritan, I’m the man lying on the road, beaten and naked. I’m the homeless woman, hot and hungry.

Jesus doesn’t ask me to “do this and live”, he asks me to see what he’s already done, and receive his life again today.

There he is!

The reason I open my Bible every day is to see Jesus. Not Jesus the teacher, but Jesus, my Savior.

My heart leaps when I see what he’s done for me. It makes me want to run after him and share a little of his love with my homeless friend.

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