The Good Samaritan

by Micky Galloway

One of the more well-known parables is that of “The Good Samaritan” (cf. Luke 10:25-37). In this parable, a religious lawyer once tried to trap Jesus by asking, “Teacher, what shall I do to inherit eternal life?” A “lawyer” in this context would be one well-versed in the Law of Moses. Jesus answered the question by asking, “What is written in the law? How readest thou?” Keep in mind that at this time the Law was still in force, so the answer was still to be found in it (cf. Matthew 5:17-19). Jesus appealed to the Bible as God's Word. The Bible can be understood and has the right answer to every question (Matthew 4:1-11; 19:4; 22:29-31). The lawyer correctly cited two pillars of the law requiring love of God first and then love of neighbor (Deuteronomy 6:5; Leviticus 19:18). Jesus said, “Thou hast answered right: this do, and thou shalt live.” This answer exposed the lawyer's lack of love for his neighbor, so he asked a question designed to justify and excuse himself: “And who is my neighbor?”

Jesus told the story of a man who was robbed, beaten, stripped of his clothing and left for dead on the Jerusalem to Jericho road, a route known for its bandits. It was a dangerous road, known as “The Way of Blood” because of the robbers. A priest hurried by without stopping, as did a Levite. These religious leaders thought of themselves and perhaps their duties at the temple. They saw no reason to put themselves in harm's way. Yet, a Samaritan came by and showed compassion (Luke 10:33-35). Samaritans were despised by the Jews. When Jesus spoke to a Samaritan woman she asked, “How is it that thou, being a Jew, askest drink of me, who am a Samaritan woman? (For Jews have no dealings with Samaritans)” (John 4:9). Samaritans were the descendants of those imported at the time of the Assyrian captivity (cf. II Kings 17:24-41). The few Israelites left intermarried with Gentiles and the Samaritans resulted with their false religion. Jesus said to the Samaritan woman, “Ye worship that which ye know not: we worship that which we know; for salvation is from the Jews” (John 4:22). Yet, even this Samaritan, who does not know the truth, who would have been despised by the Jews, shows compassion, behaving better than the priest or the Levite who professed to be among the people of God. The Samaritan bandages the wounds, applying oil and wine (first aid in those days). He puts the wounded man on his own animal and takes him to an inn and he gives the innkeeper two denarii (two days' wages) to provide care. He tells the innkeeper to spend whatever it takes, and he will repay him when he comes again.

Now here is the question: “Which of these three, thinkest thou, proved neighbor unto him that fell among the robbers?” (Luke 10:36). The lawyer replies with the obvious answer, “He that showed mercy on him.” Far be it from this lawyer to just say, “the Samaritan.” Jesus then admonishes the lawyer to “Go and do likewise.” Jesus sought to draw attention to what it means to “Love your neighbor as yourself.”

Now what are some lessons from the parable?

A neighbor is one in need whom we can help, no matter who he is. The Samaritans were different from the Jews, and there was animosity between them, but this Samaritan was helping a Jew in need. Christians are to show “hospitality” (“love of strangers”) (cf. Matthew 5:43-48).

We also learn that it is not consistent to profess to be religious and refuse to show compassion. The priest and the Levite should have been the first to offer help, being influenced by their religion. They of all people were taught to love the stranger (Leviticus 19:33-34; Deuteronomy 10:17-19). Yet they proved to be the hypocrite. The priest would teach the Law, and the Levite would assist in the service, but both failed to “practice what they preach.” As Christians, we need to practice “pure and undefiled religion,” otherwise we deceive ourselves (James 1:22, 26-27). Friend this passage is for individuals to practice. It is not acceptable to assign our duties over to an institution.

We also learn the cost of compassion. There should be no religious, racial, or national barriers to showing compassion! It may mean making ourselves vulnerable. The Samaritan took a great risk by stopping to help. What if the robbers were still near by? What if other thieves came by on this road known as “The Way Of Blood”? Compassion may cost us valuable time. The Samaritan was on a journey, but took the time to stop and care for the man in need. The Samaritan sacrificed more than just time and energy. He used some of his own provisions (cf. Luke 10:34). He even offered an open-ended agreement to provide for his help (Luke 10:35).

With the parable of “The Good Samaritan,” we are challenged to a higher standard of love. This should not surprise us in light of what Jesus told His disciples earlier. “For I say unto you, that except your righteousness shall exceed (the righteousness) of the scribes and Pharisees, ye shall in no wise enter into the kingdom of heaven” (Matthew 5:20). We learn what it is to be a neighbor and we learn it from an unlikely source … a GOOD Samaritan.