Key Verse: "But a certain Samaritan, as he journeyed, came where he was: and when he saw him, he had compassion on him,"
- Luke 10:33 KJV
One day, a lawyer came to Jesus with a question, seeking to test Him: “What shall I do to inherit eternal life?” Jesus turned the question back to him, asking what was written in the law. The man answered rightly, love God with all your heart, and love your neighbor as yourself. But then, wanting to justify himself, he asked, “And who is my neighbor?” In response, Jesus told a story.
A man was traveling down the dangerous road from Jerusalem to Jericho when he fell among thieves. They stripped him, wounded him, and left him half dead. Helpless and alone, he lay by the roadside, unable to save himself.
In time, a priest came that way. Seeing the man, he passed by on the other side. Then a Levite, one who served in the temple, came and looked upon him, yet also chose to pass by without helping. Both had knowledge of God, yet neither showed mercy.
But then came a Samaritan.
To those listening, this would have been unexpected. Samaritans were despised by the Jews, seen as outsiders and enemies. Yet this man, moved with compassion, stopped. He did not turn away. He drew near to the wounded stranger, bound up his wounds, and poured in oil and wine. He placed him on his own beast, brought him to an inn, and took care of him. And even then, he went further, providing for his continued care and promising to repay any additional cost.
When Jesus finished the story, He asked the lawyer which of the three had been a neighbor to the wounded man. The answer was clear: “He that shewed mercy on him.” And Jesus said, “Go, and do thou likewise.” (Luke 10:37 KJV).
This parable reaches beyond simple kindness, it reveals the very nature of true love. It is not defined by proximity, status, or shared background, but by compassion in action. “If a brother or sister be naked, and destitute of daily food… notwithstanding ye give them not those things which are needful… what doth it profit?” (James 2:15–16 KJV). Love is not merely spoken; it is lived.
It also challenges the boundaries we often place around the word “neighbor.” Jesus removes those limits entirely. Our neighbor is not just the one like us, but the one in need before us. Scripture echoes this truth: “Thou shalt love thy neighbour as thyself.” (Leviticus 19:18 KJV).
There is even a deeper reflection here. In many ways, the wounded man represents humanity, broken, helpless, and unable to save itself. And Christ is the One who came near, moved with compassion, to heal and restore. “But God commendeth his love toward us, in that, while we were yet sinners, Christ died for us.” (Romans 5:8 KJV).
The call of this parable is both simple and searching: not “Who qualifies as my neighbor?” but “Am I being a neighbor?”
Prayer
Lord, give me a heart of compassion like Yours. Help me not to pass by those in need, but to see them, love them, and act. Remove any prejudice or hesitation within me, and teach me to love others as You have loved me. In Jesus’ name, Amen.
