Good Samaritan

Definition

The Good Samaritan is a parable told by Jesus in the Gospel of Luke that illustrates the importance of compassion and helping those in need, regardless of social or ethnic differences. This story emphasizes core Christian beliefs regarding love, mercy, and the call to act selflessly towards others, particularly the marginalized and suffering.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. The parable is found in Luke 10:25-37 and tells the story of a traveler who is attacked by robbers and left for dead on the side of the road.
2. A priest and a Levite pass by the wounded man without helping him, highlighting societal indifference to suffering.
3. The Samaritan, who is considered an outsider by the Jewish audience, stops to help the injured man, demonstrating true love and compassion.
4. The Good Samaritan takes practical steps to care for the man, including bandaging his wounds and paying for his stay at an inn.
5. The central message of the parable is to love one's neighbor as oneself and act with kindness towards all, regardless of differences.

Review Questions

• How does the story of the Good Samaritan challenge social norms regarding who qualifies as a neighbor?
  • The Good Samaritan challenges social norms by showing that a neighbor is not determined by ethnic or religious affiliations but by actions of compassion and kindness. In the parable, the Samaritan, viewed as an outsider by Jewish standards, becomes the model of neighborly love by helping someone in need. This story emphasizes that true love transcends societal boundaries and encourages individuals to act with mercy towards everyone.
• Discuss the implications of the Good Samaritan parable on contemporary Christian teachings about helping others.
  • The implications of the Good Samaritan parable on contemporary Christian teachings are profound, as it calls Christians to embody values of empathy, service, and selflessness. It reinforces the idea that one should not ignore those in distress or suffering due to prejudices or preconceived notions. This message encourages believers to engage in acts of charity and community service, making compassion an integral part of their faith practice.
• Evaluate how the Good Samaritan parable reflects broader themes in Jesus's teachings about love and morality.
  • The Good Samaritan parable reflects broader themes in Jesus's teachings about love and morality by emphasizing that genuine faith manifests through actions. It illustrates that moral duty extends beyond cultural boundaries and calls for an inclusive approach to love—one that recognizes every individual as deserving of compassion. This parable serves as a foundation for ethical living in Christianity, urging followers to prioritize mercy over judgment and to see all humans as interconnected.

Related terms

Parable: A simple story used to illustrate a moral or spiritual lesson, often featuring everyday situations and characters.

Compassion: A deep awareness of and sympathy for another's suffering, often accompanied by a desire to help.

Neighbor: In the context of the parable, a neighbor is anyone who shows kindness and assistance to another, transcending boundaries of race or religion.