Good Samaritan

The Parable of the Good Samaritan

The Parable of the Good Samaritan is one of the most poignant and enduring stories told by Jesus, found in the Gospel of Luke 10:25-37. This parable illustrates the essence of compassion, kindness, and the true meaning of being a neighbor.

The Story

The story begins with a conversation between Jesus and a lawyer. The lawyer, seeking to test Jesus, asks, "Teacher, what must I do to inherit eternal life?" Jesus responds by asking what is written in the Law. The lawyer answers, "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 love your neighbor as yourself." Jesus tells him that he has answered correctly and that if he does this, he will live.

However, the lawyer, wanting to justify himself, asks Jesus, "And who is my neighbor?" In response, Jesus tells the parable.

A man was traveling from Jerusalem to Jericho, a dangerous road known for its steep descent and the presence of robbers. Unfortunately, he falls into the hands of these robbers, who strip him of his clothes, beat him, and leave him half-dead.

By chance, a priest is going down the same road. When he sees the man, he passes by on the other side, avoiding him. Similarly, a Levite, when he comes to the place and sees the man, also passes by on the other side.

But then a Samaritan, who is traveling along the road, comes upon the man. Unlike the priest and the Levite, the Samaritan feels compassion for him. He goes to the injured man, tends to his wounds by pouring oil and wine on them, and bandages them. He then puts the man on his own donkey, takes him to an inn, and cares for him.

The next day, the Samaritan takes out two denarii and gives them to the innkeeper. He instructs the innkeeper to look after the man and says, "When I return, I will reimburse you for any extra expense you may have."

After telling this story, Jesus asks 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." Jesus then tells him, "Go and do likewise."

The Meaning

The Parable of the Good Samaritan is a powerful lesson about the true nature of love and compassion. It challenges societal norms and prejudices, highlighting that a true neighbor is anyone who shows mercy and kindness, regardless of social or ethnic boundaries.

1. Compassion Over Prejudice: The Samaritan, despite the animosity between Jews and Samaritans, demonstrates true compassion. This teaches that love and kindness should transcend societal divisions and prejudices.

2. Active Kindness: The actions of the Samaritan show that true compassion involves more than just feelings; it requires action. He not only tends to the man's immediate needs but also ensures his continued care.

3. Universal Neighbor: The parable expands the definition of a neighbor beyond geographical or social proximity. A neighbor is anyone in need, and showing mercy makes us neighbors to each other.

The Parable of the Good Samaritan continues to inspire acts of kindness and serves as a timeless reminder of the importance of loving and helping one another.

Kids Version

The Story of the Good Samaritan

Have you ever heard a story about someone who helped a stranger in need? This is the story of the Good Samaritan, and it's all about being kind and helping others, no matter who they are. 

The Story

One day, a smart lawyer asked Jesus a tricky question. He said, "Teacher, what must I do to have eternal life?" Jesus replied with another question, "What does the Law say?" The lawyer answered, "Love the Lord your God with all your heart, soul, strength, and mind, and love your neighbor as yourself." Jesus told him he was right and added, "Do this, and you will live."

But the lawyer wanted to know more, so he asked, "Who is my neighbor?" To answer, Jesus told this story:

A man was traveling from Jerusalem to Jericho. Along the way, some robbers attacked him! They took everything he had, beat him up, and left him lying on the side of the road, hurt and alone.

Soon, a priest came walking down the road. You might think he would help, right? But when he saw the injured man, he crossed to the other side and kept walking. Then, a Levite came by. He was another person who worked in the temple. But just like the priest, he saw the hurt man and passed by on the other side of the road.

Finally, a Samaritan came along. Now, Samaritans and Jews didn't get along very well back then. But when this Samaritan saw the injured man, he felt sorry for him. He didn't worry about their differences. Instead, he went over to help.

The Samaritan cleaned the man's wounds and bandaged them. Then, he put the man on his own donkey and took him to an inn where he could rest and get better. The Samaritan even stayed with him to take care of him.

The next day, the Samaritan gave some money to the innkeeper and said, "Please take care of him. If you spend more than this, I'll pay you back when I come through again."

After telling this story, Jesus asked the lawyer, "Which of these three do you think was a neighbor to the man who was attacked by robbers?" The lawyer replied, "The one who showed him mercy." Jesus said, "Go and do likewise."

The Lesson

The story of the Good Samaritan teaches us some really important lessons:

1. Help Everyone: Just like the Samaritan helped the injured man, we should help anyone in need, no matter who they are.

2. Be Kind: It's important to be kind and caring, even to people we don't know or who might be different from us.

3. Actions Matter: Showing kindness isn't just about feeling sorry for someone. It's about doing something to help.