Good Samaritan

Definition

The Good Samaritan refers to a parable told by Jesus that illustrates the importance of compassion and helping others, regardless of social or ethnic differences. This story emphasizes that true neighborliness is demonstrated through acts of kindness towards those in need, encapsulating a key teaching in the life and teachings of Jesus Christ about love, mercy, and moral duty.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. The parable of the Good Samaritan is found in the Gospel of Luke (10:25-37), where Jesus tells the story in response to a lawyer's question about who is a neighbor.
2. In the parable, a Samaritan helps a traveler who has been beaten and left for dead, demonstrating compassion despite their cultural enmity.
3. The story contrasts the actions of a priest and a Levite who pass by the injured man without offering help, highlighting societal prejudices.
4. Jesus concludes the parable by instructing his listeners to 'go and do likewise,' reinforcing the call to act with love and compassion towards others.
5. The term 'Good Samaritan' has become synonymous with selfless aid and has influenced various social and legal contexts, such as Good Samaritan laws that protect those who assist others in peril.

Review Questions

• How does the parable of the Good Samaritan illustrate Jesus' teachings on compassion and neighborly love?
  • The parable of the Good Samaritan vividly illustrates Jesus' teachings on compassion by showing that true neighborly love transcends cultural and ethnic boundaries. In the story, it is the Samaritan—a group despised by the Jews—who stops to help a wounded traveler when others, like the priest and Levite, ignore him. This powerful narrative emphasizes that genuine compassion is defined not by one's identity or background but by one's actions towards those in need.
• In what ways does the Good Samaritan parable challenge social norms of Jesus' time regarding interactions between different communities?
  • The Good Samaritan parable challenges social norms by highlighting the unexpected role of a Samaritan as the hero in the story. During Jesus' time, Jews viewed Samaritans with disdain due to historical conflicts and religious differences. By choosing a Samaritan as the compassionate figure, Jesus confronts prejudices and encourages listeners to reconsider their biases, promoting an inclusive understanding of love that goes beyond societal divides.
• Evaluate the relevance of the Good Samaritan parable in contemporary discussions about social justice and humanitarian aid.
  • The relevance of the Good Samaritan parable in contemporary discussions about social justice and humanitarian aid is profound. It serves as a moral framework that encourages individuals and communities to extend help beyond their immediate circles, especially to marginalized groups. In a world often divided by race, class, or nationality, the parable challenges us to act with empathy and support those facing hardship, promoting an ethos of solidarity and moral responsibility that is crucial for addressing systemic inequalities today.

Related terms

Parable: A simple story used to illustrate a moral or spiritual lesson, often told by Jesus to convey deeper truths.

Mercy: Compassionate treatment shown towards someone who is suffering or in need, a central theme in the Good Samaritan story.

Neighbor: In the context of the Good Samaritan, it refers to anyone who shows kindness and compassion to another, transcending traditional boundaries.