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I. THE WORLD IS VERY FULL OF AFFLICTION,

1. Frequently the greater afflictions are not occasioned by the fault of the sufferer.

2. Very much distress is caused by the wickedness of others.

3. Certain paths in life are peculiarly subject to affliction. Our mines, railways, and seas show a terrible roll of suffering and death. Many a needlewoman's life is truly a path of blood.

II. THERE ARE MANY WHO NEVER RELIEVE AFFLICTION.

1. The two men here mentioned were brought to the spot by God's providence on purpose to render aid to the sufferer.

2. They were both of them persons who ought to have relieved him, because they were very familiar with things which should have softened their hearts.

3. They were, moreover, bound by their profession to have helped this man.

4. They were very well aware of the man's condition.

5. Yet they had capital excuses.

III. THE SAMARITAN IS A MODEL FOR THOSE WHO DO HELP THE AFFLICTED.

1. He is a model if we notice who the person was that he helped.

(1)  One who could not repay him.

(2)  A total stranger.

(3)  One rejected by his own people.

(4)  One of a different faith from himself.

2. He is a model to us in the spirit in which he did his work.

(1)  Without asking questions.

(2)  Without attempting to shift the labour from himself on to others.

(3)  Without any selfish fear.

(4)  With self-denial.

(5)  With great tenderness and care.

IV. WE HAVE A HIGHER MODEL than even the Samaritan — our Lord Jesus Christ.

1. Our Lord Jesus Christ has done better than the good Samaritan, because our case was worse. We were not only half but altogether dead in trespasses and sins.

2. What the Samaritan gave to the poor man was generous, but it is not comparable to what the Lord Jesus has given to us. He gave him wine and oil; but Jesus has given His heart's-blood to heal our wounds: he lent himself with all his care and thoughtfulness; but Christ gave Himself even to the death for us.

(C. H. Spurgeon.)

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KJV: But he, willing to justify himself, said unto Jesus, And who is my neighbour?

WEB: But he, desiring to justify himself, asked Jesus, "Who is my neighbor?"