The parables of Jesus are timeless, offering wisdom even today through simple, yet profound stories. One of the most well-known and impactful parables is the story of the Good Samaritan. It transcends cultural boundaries, speaks to the core of human empathy, and is a beautiful story of the love Jesus expects from us as His Church.
You can find this parable in the Gospel of Luke, chapter 10, verses 25-37. The story begins with a lawyer asking Jesus, “Teacher, what must I do to inherit eternal life?” Jesus responds with a question of his own: “What is written in the Law?” The lawyer answers correctly by citing the commandments to love God and to love one’s neighbor as oneself.
Seeking to justify himself, he asked Jesus, ‘And who is my neighbor?’” – Luke 10:29.
In response, Jesus tells one of my favorite parables. A man was traveling from Jerusalem to Jericho, a notoriously dangerous road known for its steep descents and lurking bandits. While on his journey, the traveler fell into the hands of robbers who stripped him of his clothes, beat him, and left him half-dead by the side of the road.
First, a priest happened to be going down the same road. When he saw the man, he passed by on the other side. Next, a Levite, another religious figure, also saw the injured man and likewise avoided him, crossing to the other side of the road. Why would these religious figures go out of their way to avoid a man who was clearly in need of help?
Fear
Any passersby would have been able to see the clear evidence of a very recent attack on the traveler and may have been scared to become a victim themselves. Fear is often the culprit who holds us back from having compassion on those in need.
Busyness
The priest and Levite, also on their way to Jericho from Jerusalem, surely had important business to attend to. How could anyone expect them to take on the plight of a half-dead nobody on the side of the road? Busyness is one of the most common excuses we give when we fall short, isn’t it?
But finally, a Samaritan comes along. The Samaritans and Jews had a long history of animosity, yet it was the Samaritan who felt compassion for the wounded man. Instead of identifying his religious enemy and passing him by, he went over to him and bandaged his wounds, pouring on oil and wine. Then he put the man on his own donkey, took him to an inn, and looked after him through the night. The next day, he gave the innkeeper two denarii (worth about two days’ labor!) and asked him to look after the man, with a promise to reimburse any additional expenses upon his return.
The Lesson
Jesus concludes the parable with a question to the lawyer, “Which of these three do you think was a neighbor to the man who fell into the hands of robbers?” The lawyer answers, “The one who had mercy on him.”
And Jesus said, ‘Yes, now go and do likewise’” – Luke 10:37.
The parable of the Good Samaritan challenges us to reconsider our notions of compassion and who our “neighbor” is. It emphasizes that Christ-like love and mercy extend beyond social, ethnic, or religious boundaries. The actions of the Samaritan illustrate that compassion is a fundamental human value that should guide our interactions with others- especially those in need.
In today’s world, the parable remains remarkably relevant. We live in a global society where conflicts, prejudices, and division often dictates how we treat one another. Jesus urges us to rise above these barriers and to act with kindness and empathy toward everyone, regardless of their background.
Consider the plight of refugees, the homeless, or marginalized communities. The parable calls us to see these individuals not as “others” but as neighbors deserving of compassion and assistance. In our daily lives, it prompts us to help someone in distress, to offer a kind word, or to volunteer our time and resources for those less fortunate.
What a powerful reminder of the call of Christ to love and serve each other. He challenges us to act with mercy and compassion, transcending societal divisions and prejudices. As we navigate the complexities of modern life, let us carry forward the timeless lesson of this parable: to be a neighbor to all, and to embody the spirit of the Good Samaritan in our actions and our attitudes.
Karlee is a worship leader, band director, wife, and most recently – mother. She enjoys reading sci-fi novels, watching cooking shows, and singing in the car with her husband, Andrew.