Topical Encyclopedia The Parable of the Good Samaritan is one of the most well-known teachings of Jesus Christ, found in the Gospel of Luke. This parable is a profound illustration of love, mercy, and the breaking of social barriers, emphasizing the call to love one's neighbor as oneself.Biblical Context The parable is recorded in Luke 10:25-37. It is presented in response to a question posed by a lawyer who sought to test Jesus. The lawyer asked, "Teacher, what must I do to inherit eternal life?" (Luke 10:25). Jesus, in turn, asked him what is written in the Law. The lawyer answered, "‘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’" (Luke 10:27). Jesus affirmed his answer but the lawyer, seeking to justify himself, further inquired, "And who is my neighbor?" (Luke 10:29). The Parable In response, Jesus tells the parable: A man was traveling from Jerusalem to Jericho when he was attacked by robbers. They stripped him of his clothes, beat him, and left him half-dead. A priest happened to be going down the same road, and when he saw the man, he passed by on the other side. Likewise, a Levite, when he came to the place and saw him, passed by on the other side (Luke 10:30-32). However, a Samaritan, as he traveled, came where the man was; and when he saw him, he took pity on him. He went to him and bandaged his wounds, pouring on oil and wine. Then he put the man on his own donkey, brought him to an inn, and took care of him. The next day he took out two denarii and gave them to the innkeeper. ‘Look after him,’ he said, ‘and when I return, I will reimburse you for any extra expense you may have’ (Luke 10:33-35). Cultural and Theological Significance The choice of a Samaritan as the hero of the account is significant. Samaritans were despised by the Jews of Jesus' day due to longstanding ethnic and religious tensions. By making a Samaritan the compassionate figure, Jesus challenges the prejudices of His audience and expands the definition of "neighbor" beyond ethnic and religious boundaries. The actions of the priest and the Levite, who both neglect the wounded man, highlight a failure to live out the commandment to love one's neighbor. Their behavior contrasts sharply with that of the Samaritan, who exemplifies true neighborly love through his compassion and selfless care. Moral and Ethical Implications The parable concludes with Jesus 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 replied, "The one who showed him mercy." Jesus told him, "Go and do likewise" (Luke 10:36-37). This directive underscores the call to active compassion and mercy, transcending social and cultural barriers. It serves as a timeless reminder of the Christian duty to love and serve others, regardless of their background or circumstances. The parable challenges believers to examine their own prejudices and to act with love and kindness towards all people, reflecting the love of Christ in their lives. Torrey's Topical Textbook Luke 10:30-37And Jesus answering said, A certain man went down from Jerusalem to Jericho, and fell among thieves, which stripped him of his raiment, and wounded him, and departed, leaving him half dead. Torrey's Topical Textbook Library Christ Teaching by Parables The Second Series of Parables - the Two Parables of Him who is ... Chronological Table of the Life of Christ [From Andrews. ] The Four-Fold Gospel The Good Samaritan. The Parables The Gospel According to St. Luke Index. The Life of Jesus Christ in Its Historical Connexion Christ, the Great Teacher Resources What is the meaning of the Parables of the Hidden Treasure and the Pearl of Great Price? | GotQuestions.orgWhat is the meaning of the parables of fasting at the wedding feast, the old cloth, and the wineskins? | GotQuestions.org What is a parable? | GotQuestions.org Bible Concordance • Bible Dictionary • Bible Encyclopedia • Topical Bible • Bible Thesuarus Subtopics Parables of Aholah and Aholibah Parables of the Garment Which Was Torn in Pieces Parables of the Prisoner of War Parables of the Skins Filled With Wine Parables of the Thistle and Cedar Parables of the Woman of Tekoa Parables: Parables of Christ: Barren Fig-Tree Parables: Parables of Christ: Beam and Mote Parables: Parables of Christ: Blind Leading the Blind Parables: Parables of Christ: Builder of a Tower Parables: Parables of Christ: Children of the Bride Chamber Parables: Parables of Christ: Cloud and Wind Parables: Parables of Christ: Creditor and Debtors Parables: Parables of Christ: Faithful, and Evil Servants Parables: Parables of Christ: Fig-Tree Leafing Parables: Parables of Christ: Good Samaritan Parables: Parables of Christ: Good Shepherd Parables: Parables of Christ: House, Divided Against Itself Parables: Parables of Christ: Importunate Friend Parables: Parables of Christ: Importunate Widow Parables: Parables of Christ: King Going to War Parables: Parables of Christ: Kingdom, Divided Against Itself Parables: Parables of Christ: Labourers Hired Parables: Parables of Christ: Leaven Parables: Parables of Christ: Lighted Candle Parables: Parables of Christ: Lost Piece of Silver Parables: Parables of Christ: Lost Sheep Parables: Parables of Christ: Man of the House Watching Parables: Parables of Christ: Man Taking a Far Journey Parables: Parables of Christ: Marriage-Feast Parables: Parables of Christ: Meats Defiling Not Parables: Parables of Christ: Men Bidden to a Feast Parables: Parables of Christ: Mustard-Seed Parables: Parables of Christ: Net Cast Into the Sea Parables: Parables of Christ: New Cloth and Old Garment Parables: Parables of Christ: New Wine and Old Bottles Parables: Parables of Christ: Pearl of Great Price Parables: Parables of Christ: Pharisee and Publican Parables: Parables of Christ: Pounds Parables: Parables of Christ: Prodigal Son Parables: Parables of Christ: Rich Fool Parables: Parables of Christ: Rich Man and Lazarus Parables: Parables of Christ: Savour of Salt Parables: Parables of Christ: Seed Growing Secretly Parables: Parables of Christ: Sower Parables: Parables of Christ: Strong Man Armed Parables: Parables of Christ: Talents Parables: Parables of Christ: Tares Parables: Parables of Christ: Ten Virgins Parables: Parables of Christ: Treasure Hid in a Field Parables: Parables of Christ: Tree and Its Fruit Parables: Parables of Christ: Two Sons Parables: Parables of Christ: Unclean Spirit Parables: Parables of Christ: Unjust Steward Parables: Parables of Christ: Unmerciful Servant Parables: Parables of Christ: Vine and Branches Parables: Parables of Christ: Wicked Husbandmen Parables: Parables of Christ: Wise and Foolish Builders Parables: Remarkable Parables of the Old Testament Parables: The Mercenary Soldier Parables: The Sheet Lowered Down from the Sky (In Peter's Vision) Related Terms |
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