Luke 10:25-37 New International Version The Parable of the Good Samaritan 25 On

[Isaac Samuel Lubwama]

Luke 10:25-37 New International Version The Parable of the Good Samaritan

25 On one occasion an expert in the law stood up to test Jesus. “Teacher,” he asked, “what must I do to inherit eternal life?”

26 “What is written in the Law?” he replied. “How do you read it?”

27 He answered, “‘Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your strength and with all your mind’[a]; and, ‘Love your neighbor as yourself.’”

28 “You have answered correctly,” Jesus replied. “Do this and you will live.”

29 But he wanted to justify himself, so he asked Jesus, “And who is my neighbor?”

30 In reply Jesus said: “A man was going down from Jerusalem to Jericho, when he was attacked by robbers. They stripped him of his clothes, beat him and went away, leaving him half dead.

31 A priest happened to be going down the same road, and when he saw the man, he passed by on the other side.

32 So too, a Levite, when he came to the place and saw him, passed by on the other side.

33 But a Samaritan, as he traveled, came where the man was; and when he saw him, he took pity on him.

34 He went to him and bandaged his wounds, pouring on oil and wine. Then he put the man on his own donkey, brought him to an inn and took care of him.

35 The next day he took out two denarii[c] and gave them to the innkeeper. ‘Look after him,’ he said, ‘and when I return, I will reimburse you for any extra expense you may have.’

36 “Which of these three do you think was a neighbor to the man who fell into the hands of robbers?”

37 The expert in the law replied, “The one who had mercy on him.” Jesus told him, “Go and do likewise.” Read full chapter

 

[Articles]

We come before the Lord with hearts open to His Word, reflecting on the powerful parable of the Good Samaritan. This passage is a profound reminder of what it means to love our neighbor as ourselves, a commandment that Jesus Himself affirms as essential to inheriting eternal life. The expert in the law asked, *"What must I do to inherit eternal life?"* and Jesus directed him to the heart of God’s commandments: to love the Lord with all our being and to love our neighbor as ourselves (Luke 10:25-27). This is not merely a suggestion but a divine mandate for those who seek to walk in God’s ways.

Yet, we must also recognize that the question, *"Who is my neighbor?"* reveals a heart that seeks to justify itself rather than embrace the fullness of God’s love. The parable Jesus shares strips away the excuses we often make to avoid showing mercy. The priest and the Levite, men who knew the law, passed by the wounded man, perhaps bound by ritual purity or indifference. But the Samaritan, despised by the Jews, demonstrated true compassion—he saw the man’s need, acted with kindness, and sacrificed his time and resources to ensure the man’s care. Jesus’ command to *"Go and do likewise"* is a call to radical love, one that transcends boundaries of race, status, or convenience.

This parable challenges us deeply. How often do we, like the expert in the law, seek to define our neighbor narrowly to avoid the cost of love? Do we pass by those in need because of fear, busyness, or prejudice? The Samaritan’s actions were not just kind—they were *obedient*. Loving our neighbor is not optional for those who claim to follow Christ; it is the evidence of a transformed heart. James 2:15-17 reminds us, *"If a brother or sister is poorly clothed and lacking in daily food, and one of you says to them, 'Go in peace, be warmed and filled,' without giving them the things needed for the body, what good is that? So also faith by itself, if it does not have works, is dead."* True faith compels us to act.

Let us also consider the eternal perspective. The expert in the law asked about inheriting eternal life, but his focus was on *doing* rather than *being*. Salvation is not earned by works but received by grace through faith in Jesus Christ (Ephesians 2:8-9). Yet, as believers, our works are the fruit of that faith—a testament to the love of Christ working in us. If we neglect to love our neighbor, we must question whether we truly love God, for *"If anyone says, 'I love God,' and hates his brother, he is a liar; for he who does not love his brother whom he has seen cannot love God whom he has not seen"* (1 John 4:20).

We lift this passage to the Lord in prayer, asking Him to search our hearts and reveal where we have fallen short in loving others as He commands.

Heavenly Father, we come before You with humble hearts, grateful for Your Word that guides and convicts us. Lord, we confess that too often we have defined our neighbor by our own convenience, passing by those in need because of fear, pride, or indifference. Forgive us, Father. Teach us to see others as You see them—precious souls created in Your image, deserving of love and mercy. Give us the courage to act when we see need, to extend grace as You have extended grace to us. May our lives reflect the love of Christ, not just in word but in deed. Help us to love You with all our heart, soul, strength, and mind, and to love our neighbor as ourselves. Let Your Holy Spirit empower us to be instruments of Your peace, showing compassion to the broken, the lost, and the marginalized. We ask this in the mighty name of Jesus Christ, the One who showed us the ultimate act of love by laying down His life for us. May we go and do likewise, for Your glory and the advancement of Your kingdom. Amen.

To those reading this, we encourage you to examine your own heart. Are there areas where you have withheld love or mercy from someone in need? Ask the Lord to reveal opportunities to demonstrate His love in practical ways. Remember, loving your neighbor is not just about grand gestures—it is often in the small, everyday acts of kindness that we reflect Christ. Let us strive to be a people who do not just *know* the law but *live* it, for the glory of God and the good of others. And if you have not yet placed your faith in Jesus Christ, we urge you to consider the eternal life He offers. For *"there is salvation in no one else, for there is no other name under heaven given among men by which we must be saved"* (Acts 4:12). Turn to Him today, and He will give you a new heart—one that loves God and neighbor as He commands.

 

[hostadmin]

Wow, what a powerful passage! It really hits home, doesn't it? Like the expert in the law, we often find ourselves asking, "Who is my neighbor?" But Jesus turns that question on its head with the parable of the Good Samaritan. It's not about who we should love, but about how we should love - with compassion, kindness, and sacrifice.

I was struck by the Samaritan's actions. He didn't just feel sorry for the man; he did something about it. He bandaged his wounds, poured on oil and wine, put him on his own donkey, brought him to an inn, and even paid for his care. That's not just kindness; that's obedience to God's love.

It's easy to love those who love us, but Jesus calls us to love everyone, especially those who are different from us or in need. It's not always convenient or comfortable, but that's what makes it so powerful. It's a reflection of God's love for us - a love that's not always convenient or comfortable, but always faithful and transformative.

Let's pray. Heavenly Father, we thank You for Your Word that challenges and convicts us. Help us, Lord, to love as You love. Give us the courage to see beyond our differences and to love our neighbors as ourselves. Help us to be Your hands and feet, showing compassion and kindness to those around us. In Jesus' name, we pray. Amen.