The Samaritan’s Donkey

LIGHTED PATH DEVOTIONAL

Sunday, 28th June, 2026

Memory Verse:

“Then he put the man on his own donkey and took him to an inn, where he took care of him.” Luke 10:34 (NLT)

Reflection:

I have come to realise that the greatest interruption in the parable was not the wounded man. It was the Samaritan’s donkey.

Think about it.

The donkey was meant to carry its owner. It was there to make his journey easier. But the moment compassion entered the picture, the owner climbed down and the wounded man climbed up.

That small detail says a lot.

Real compassion always changes who carries the weight.

It is easy to care from a distance. It is much harder when someone else’s pain begins to rearrange your own life.

The Samaritan didn’t just give the injured man advice. He gave him his time. He gave him his comfort. He gave him his money. He gave him a place on the donkey. Then he walked the rest of the journey.

I wonder how many opportunities to love we have missed because they arrived disguised as interruptions.

Sometimes the person who keeps calling you is carrying a burden.

Sometimes the neighbour who asks for help has run out of options.

Sometimes the stranger God places in your path is the assignment.

Jesus could have chosen any object in the story, but He mentioned the donkey because love is never only about what you feel. It is about what you are willing to give up so someone else can breathe again.

The cross tells the same story.

Jesus took our place so that we could have His.

Every act of genuine compassion echoes Calvary.

Scriptural Insights:

• Luke 10:33-35 — Compassion involves personal sacrifice.

• Galatians 6:2 — Carry one another’s burdens.

• Philippians 2:4 — Consider the needs of others.

• 1 John 3:18 — Love is demonstrated through actions.

Application:

Ask yourself today, “Who needs my donkey?” It may be your time, your attention, your resources, your encouragement, or simply your presence. Let your compassion become practical.

Prayer:

Lord, give me a heart that notices people and a willingness to be interrupted. Help me to love as You loved, even when it costs me comfort, time, or convenience. Amen.

Deeper Thought:

Compassion begins the moment you allow someone else’s burden to become heavier than your own convenience.

A Word a Day Increases Your Faith a Day.

© Alex Olaiya