Topical Encyclopedia The parable of the Good Samaritan, found in the Gospel of Luke 10:25-37, serves as a profound illustration of liberality, emphasizing the virtues of compassion, mercy, and selfless giving. This parable is a response to a lawyer's question posed to Jesus: "Teacher, what must I do to inherit eternal life?" (Luke 10:25). Jesus redirects the question back to the lawyer, who correctly recites the commandments to love God and love one's neighbor. Seeking to justify himself, the lawyer further inquires, "And who is my neighbor?" (Luke 10:29).In response, Jesus tells the account of a man traveling from Jerusalem to Jericho who falls victim to robbers. Stripped, beaten, and left half-dead, the man is ignored by both a priest and a Levite who pass by on the other side of the road. However, a Samaritan, a figure often despised by the Jewish audience of the time, stops to help. The Samaritan's actions are marked by extraordinary liberality: he tends to the man's wounds with oil and wine, places him on his own animal, and brings him to an inn for further care. Moreover, he provides the innkeeper with two denarii and promises to cover any additional expenses upon his return (Luke 10:33-35). The Samaritan's liberality is evident in several aspects: 1. Compassionate Action: Unlike the priest and the Levite, the Samaritan is moved by compassion. His willingness to stop and help a stranger, despite cultural animosities, underscores a heart attuned to the needs of others. This compassion transcends societal boundaries and prejudices, embodying the essence of neighborly love. 2. Generosity of Resources: The Samaritan's use of his own resources—oil, wine, and money—demonstrates a tangible commitment to the well-being of the injured man. His liberality is not limited to mere words or intentions but is manifested through concrete, sacrificial actions. 3. Commitment to Continued Care: The Samaritan's promise to return and settle any outstanding debts highlights a sustained commitment to the man's recovery. This aspect of liberality reflects a dedication that goes beyond immediate relief, ensuring long-term support and healing. 4. Moral and Ethical Implications: The parable challenges the listener to reconsider the definition of "neighbor" and to embrace a broader, more inclusive understanding. It calls for an ethic of liberality that is not confined by legalistic interpretations but is expansive and rooted in love and mercy. In the context of the parable, Jesus concludes by asking the lawyer, "Which of these three do you think was a neighbor to the man who fell into the hands of robbers?" The lawyer responds, "The one who showed him mercy" (Luke 10:36-37). Jesus then instructs, "Go and do likewise" (Luke 10:37), urging all believers to emulate the Samaritan's example of liberality. The parable of the Good Samaritan thus serves as a timeless call to practice liberality in our daily lives, encouraging believers to act with compassion, generosity, and a commitment to the welfare of others, regardless of societal divisions or personal cost. Nave's Topical Index Luke 10:33-35But a certain Samaritan, as he journeyed, came where he was: and when he saw him, he had compassion on him, Nave's Topical Index Library The Conversion of the Jailor of Philippi. The Sixth Commandment A Discourse of Mercifulness The Historical Books. 1 the New Testament... Hebrews vi. 7, 8 That Divine Inspirations Leave us in Full Liberty to Follow or ... Epistle xxv. To John, Bishop of Constantinople, and the Other ... From the Ascension to the Church at Antioch. Matt. xx. 29, 30 Letter Lxxv. To Theodora. Resources Liberality: Dictionary and Thesaurus | Clyx.comBible Concordance • Bible Dictionary • Bible Encyclopedia • Topical Bible • Bible Thesuarus Subtopics Liberality in Antioch (Of Syria) Liberality: Araunah for Sacrifice Liberality: Barzillai and Others to David Liberality: Blessings Connected With Liberality: Characteristic of Saints Liberality: Christ Set an Example of Liberality: Elisha Toward Elijah Liberality: Exercise of, Provokes Others To Liberality: Extraordinary - Exemplified: Churches of Macedonia Liberality: Extraordinary - Exemplified: Israelites Liberality: Extraordinary - Exemplified: Poor Widow Liberality: General Scriptures Concerning Liberality: Israelites at the Erection of the Tabernacle Liberality: Israelites' offerings for the Temple Liberality: Jews After the Captivity Liberality: Joash and his People Liberality: King of Sodom to Abraham Liberality: Labour to be Enabled to Exercise Liberality: Lack of a Proof of not Having Faith Liberality: Lack of a Proof of not Loving God Liberality: Lack of Brings Many a Curse Liberality: People of Melita (Malta) to Paul Liberality: Pharaoh to Joseph's People Liberality: Queen of Sheba to Solomon Liberality: should be Exercised in Forwarding Missions Liberality: should be Exercised in Giving Alms Liberality: should be Exercised in Leading to Those in Want Liberality: should be Exercised in Relieving the Destitute Liberality: should be Exercised in Rendering Personal Services Liberality: should be Exercised in the Service of God Liberality: should be Exercised with Simplicity Liberality: should be Exercised without Ostentation Liberality: should be Exercised: Abundantly Liberality: should be Exercised: According to Ability Liberality: should be Exercised: Toward all Men Liberality: should be Exercised: Toward Enemies Liberality: should be Exercised: Toward Saints Liberality: should be Exercised: Toward Servants Liberality: should be Exercised: Toward Strangers Liberality: should be Exercised: Toward the Poor Liberality: should be Exercised: Willingly Liberality: The Good Samaritan Liberality: The Magi (Wise Men from the East) Liberality: Unprofitable, Without Love Related Terms Instrumentality (5 Occurrences) |
    |