The true cost of being "neighbor", or "friend", is not measured in words but in deeds. The illustration given here by Jesus shows how lacking the Pharisees and lawyers were in their understanding of the Law; how the letter of the Law wasn't meant to keep them from the spirit of the law, i.e., showing compassion (Luke 10:33)
v.34 - And went to him, and bound up his wounds, pouring in oil and wine, and set him on his own beast, and brought him to an inn, and took care of him.
First, the man's inability to help himself dictated what a friend must do - go to them, for they cannot come themselves. (This is also a pretty good illustration for a those who are "lost", and why evangelism continues into this dispensation.)
Second, he gave of his own supply to help, and even gave up his transportation, walking instead that the injured man might ride - more sacrifice on his part. And don't miss the part where he's "pouring in oil and wine" - he got bloody and messy, for this was the only way to accomplish the task!
Third, he took of his most valuable resource - time - and cared for the man himself. (I have often said "no one cares what you know, until they know that you care." If our intention is to reach the lost of this world...)
v.35 - And on the morrow when he departed, he took out two pence, and gave them to the host, and said unto him, Take care of him; and whatsoever thou spendest more, when I come again, I will repay thee.
Finally, he took again of his own resources for the future care of this stranger, providing him the means for a "full recovery". And this is one of the more practical illustrations for supporting a local, Bible-believing church; it becomes the spiritual "inn" for those recovering from the "beating" that the world - or even some religious groups! - gave them.
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