One day, an expert in religious law asked Jesus a question to test Him:
“Teacher, what must I do to inherit eternal life?”
Jesus replied, “What is written in the Law? How do you read it?”
The man answered, “Love the Lord your God with all your heart, all your soul, all your strength, and all your mind—and love your neighbor as yourself.”
“You have answered correctly,” Jesus said. “Do this, and you will live.”
But the man, wanting to justify himself, asked Jesus, “And who is my neighbor?”
In response, Jesus told this story:
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 by the side of the road.
Soon after, a priest came walking down the same road. When he saw the injured man, he crossed to the other side and continued on his way. Then, a Levite—another religious man—passed by. He too saw the man but avoided him and walked away.
Finally, a Samaritan came along the road. Now, Samaritans and Jews did not get along and were often enemies. Yet when the Samaritan saw the injured man, he felt compassion.
The Samaritan knelt down, cleaned the man’s wounds with oil and wine, and bandaged them. Then, he gently placed the man on his donkey and took him to an inn, where he cared for him through the night.
The next day, the Samaritan gave two silver coins to the innkeeper and said, “Take care of him. If it costs more, I will pay you back when I return.”
Jesus finished the story and asked the expert in the law, “Which of these three do you think was a neighbor to the man who was attacked by robbers?”
The man replied, “The one who showed him mercy.”
Jesus said, “Go and do likewise.”
The story of the Good Samaritan teaches us that being a neighbor is not about who someone is or where they come from—it’s about showing love, kindness, and mercy, even to those we might consider strangers or outsiders. It is a reminder that God calls us to love others selflessly, just as He loves us.
Bible Reference: Luke 10:25-37
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