What is the story of the Good Samaritan?

The story of the Good Samaritan is one of the most well-known and cherished parables of Jesus, found in the Gospel of Luke, chapter 10, verses 25-37. This parable is a profound narrative that Jesus uses to teach about the nature of true neighborly love and compassion, transcending societal boundaries and prejudices.

The context of the parable begins with an interaction between Jesus and a lawyer, who is an expert in the Mosaic Law. The lawyer stands up to test Jesus with a question: "Teacher, what shall I do to inherit eternal life?" (Luke 10:25, ESV). Jesus, in His typical rabbinic fashion, responds with a question of His own, asking the lawyer what is written in the Law. The lawyer answers by quoting the Shema from Deuteronomy 6:5 and Leviticus 19:18: "You shall love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your strength and with all your mind, and your neighbor as yourself" (Luke 10:27, ESV).

Jesus affirms the lawyer's answer, saying, "You have answered correctly; do this, and you will live" (Luke 10:28, ESV). However, seeking to justify himself and perhaps to narrow the scope of his obligation, the lawyer asks, "And who is my neighbor?" (Luke 10:29, ESV). It is in response to this question that Jesus tells the parable of the Good Samaritan.

Jesus begins the parable by describing a man traveling from Jerusalem to Jericho, a journey of about 17 miles through treacherous terrain known for its danger and bandits. As the man travels, he falls among robbers who strip him, beat him, and leave him half-dead. This sets the stage for the introduction of three characters who encounter the wounded man.

The first to pass by is a priest. Seeing the man, the priest crosses to the other side of the road and continues on his way. Next, a Levite comes along and, like the priest, he too sees the man but chooses to pass by on the other side. Both the priest and the Levite are religious figures, expected to uphold the Law and exhibit compassion. Their actions, or lack thereof, would have been shocking to Jesus' audience, as they fail to show mercy to a fellow human being in dire need.

The third character is a Samaritan. To understand the weight of this character's inclusion, it is essential to recognize the historical context. Samaritans and Jews had a long-standing animosity. Samaritans were considered heretics and were despised by the Jews due to their mixed heritage and different worship practices. Yet, it is this despised Samaritan who, upon seeing the wounded man, is moved with compassion.

The Samaritan goes above and beyond in his care for the injured man. He approaches him, tends to his wounds with oil and wine, places him on his own animal, and brings him to an inn. There, he continues to care for him and, the next day, gives the innkeeper two denarii, instructing him to take care of the man. He even promises to return and reimburse any additional expenses incurred.

After narrating the parable, Jesus asks the lawyer, "Which of these three, do you think, proved to be a neighbor to the man who fell among the robbers?" (Luke 10:36, ESV). The lawyer, unable to bring himself to say "the Samaritan," responds, "The one who showed him mercy" (Luke 10:37, ESV). Jesus then instructs him, "You go, and do likewise" (Luke 10:37, ESV).

The parable of the Good Samaritan is rich with theological and ethical implications. It challenges the listener to reconsider preconceived notions of who qualifies as a neighbor. Jesus expands the definition of "neighbor" beyond ethnic, religious, and social boundaries, emphasizing that neighborly love is about action and compassion, not just proximity or similarity.

In this parable, Jesus subverts expectations by making the hero a Samaritan, thereby demonstrating that true righteousness and love are not confined to one's social or religious group. The priest and the Levite, who would have been expected to act righteously, fail to do so, while the Samaritan, an outsider and enemy, exemplifies the love and mercy that God desires.

Furthermore, the parable underscores the importance of compassion in action. The Samaritan does not merely feel pity; he takes concrete steps to alleviate the suffering of the wounded man. This aligns with the teaching in James 2:17, "So also faith by itself, if it does not have works, is dead" (ESV). True faith and love manifest in tangible acts of kindness and mercy.

The story also serves as a critique of legalism and self-justification. The lawyer's initial question and subsequent attempt to justify himself reveal a mindset focused on minimal compliance with the Law rather than a wholehearted pursuit of love and justice. Jesus' parable redirects the focus from legalistic interpretations to the heart of the Law: love for God and love for neighbor.

In the broader context of Jesus' ministry, the parable of the Good Samaritan reflects His mission to break down barriers and extend God's love to all people. Jesus consistently reached out to the marginalized, the outcast, and the despised, embodying the very compassion He extols in this parable. His life and teachings call His followers to do the same.

The parable of the Good Samaritan continues to resonate deeply today, reminding us that our neighbor is anyone in need, regardless of their background or identity. It calls us to a radical, inclusive love that mirrors God's love for humanity. As we reflect on this parable, we are challenged to examine our own hearts and actions, asking ourselves whether we, like the Samaritan, are willing to cross boundaries and extend mercy to those who need it most.

In summary, the story of the Good Samaritan is a timeless and powerful illustration of what it means to love one's neighbor. It is a call to compassion, action, and an expansive understanding of community. By following the example of the Good Samaritan, we fulfill Jesus' command to "go, and do likewise," embodying the love and mercy that are at the heart of the Gospel.