Splagnidzomai

Luke 10:33 In the middle of the Good Samaritan story the author of the gospel connects reader and protagonist by revealing the nature of his motivation to act; which is best explained by the Gr. word splagnidzomai, which comes from the root splagna, meaning 'inner parts' such as liver, spleen, and heart. In the context of the story, the Samaritan traveler came upon a beaten, half-dead man on the 'bloody road' connecting Jerusalem to Jericho (called the 'bloody road' because of the wanton bloodshed and gratuitous violence that often occured there). Seeing the victim on the road, the Samaritan was moved in his inner being; he felt compassion. Matthew uses the same word to describe Jesus' response to the people who were scattered, like sheep without a shepherd. He was moved in his inner being to act on their behalf.



What situations impact me to the core of my being? When have I been moved to care for another person in need? Recently a friend of mine stopped by the church to find someone to pray with. He wasn't looking for me specifically, but I ran into him in the hallway and he told me what he was up to. We sat down together and he told me about being separated from his wife and children, being out of work, and missing his kids. As we began to pray, something inside of me said give him all the money you have in your pocket. For a split second I held back, but decided to go with my instinct. We prayed and prayed some more, and when we got down praying, I reached into my pocket and gave him all the bills I could find. It wasn't a ton by the worlds standards, but it was more than I've ever given randomly. I typically do not give money on the spot to those in need to protect myself from giving away everything I have and being irresponsible with my real obligations, but on this occasion I was moved in my inner being. Splagna was taking place.