The The Parable of the Good Samaritan - Luke 25-37

The parable of the good samaritan. Let's talk about it. The story is found in Luke 10:25-37.

In this passage, Jesus tells a story to illustrate what it means to love your neighbor. An expert in the law asks Jesus what he must do to inherit eternal life. Jesus responds by asking him what is written in the Law. The expert answers correctly, quoting the commandments to love God and love your neighbor. Seeking to justify himself, the expert then asks, “And who is my neighbor?”

Jesus replies with a parable: A man traveling from Jerusalem to Jericho is attacked by robbers, who strip him, beat him, and leave him half-dead. A priest and a Levite both pass by without helping. However, a Samaritan, despite the enmity between Jews and Samaritans, stops to help the man. He bandages his wounds, takes him to an inn, and pays for his care. Jesus concludes by asking which of the three was a neighbor to the man. The expert answers, “The one who had mercy on him.” Jesus then tells him to “go and do likewise.” 

Luke 10: 27: The man who asked the question wanted Jesus to define neighbor in a narrow way. But Jesus is saying that your neighbor isn't just those who are easy to love, who give you a benefit in return for this love. Your neighbor isn't necessarily your same religion or someone you know but can be anyone.

In the same way we take care of ourselves and are concerned about our own interests, we should take care and have concern for the interests of others. There was A LOT of animosity between jews and samaritans at this time and throughout Jewish history but the Samaritan put that aside and helped this Jewish man. The priest did not!

Another point made here is that all the religious sacrifices and rituals mean nothing if our hearts are not changed. Think of someone in your life who needs your mercy and care today then follow the example of the Samaritan and "go and do likewise." and I'll see you soon so we can talk about more parables. 

Father, may we be quick to help our neighbor, showing them love, mercy and care. May we remember that our neighbor is not defined by likeness or the benefit they bring us. Help us to learn to sacrifice for others as your example shows us. Give us the strength to do this even when it is difficult. We thank you for your sacrifice, your mercy and your faithfulness to give us new chances to start over everyday. In Jesus name we pray, Amen. 

Luke 10:27: And he answered, “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."

 -Amy Adams of Kingdom Threads by Amy

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