Source Channel · retold from Luke 10:25–37
A lawyer stands up to test Jesus. He asks what he must do to inherit eternal life. At the end of this conversation stands a story about a road and a man lying on it.
A Question About the Neighbour
Jesus asks him in return: What is written in the law? The man answers: Love God with all your heart, and your neighbour as yourself. Jesus says he has answered right. Do this, and you will live.
But the man wants to justify himself. He asks again.
“And who is my neighbour?”
– Luke 10:29
On the Road to Jericho
Jesus answers with a story. A man is going down from Jerusalem to Jericho. On the way he falls among thieves.
They strip him, beat him and go away. They leave him half dead.
By chance a priest comes down the same road. He sees him and passes by. A Levite comes to the place, sees him and also passes by.
One Man Stops
Then a Samaritan comes along on a journey. He sees the man – and he is moved.
“But a certain Samaritan, as he journeyed, came where he was: and when he saw him, he had compassion on him …”
– Luke 10:33
He goes to him, pours oil and wine on his wounds and bandages them. He sets him on his own animal, brings him to an inn and takes care of him.
The next day he gives the innkeeper two pence. Take care of him, he says. Whatever more you spend, I will repay you when I come again.
Jesus asks the lawyer: Which of these three was neighbour to the man who fell among the thieves? The man answers. And Jesus gives him a charge to take with him.
“And he said, He that shewed mercy on him. Then said Jesus unto him, Go, and do thou likewise.”
– Luke 10:37
What This Has to Do with You Today
Maybe you know both sides of this road: the days when you yourself are lying by the wayside, and the days when you see someone and could walk on. The story answers the question about the neighbour with someone who stops.
Never Alone Guide: When it hurts →
Bible quotes: King James Version (public domain). This retelling stays with the Bible text and adds no events. Photos: Unsplash.
