The Good Samaritan

A law expert stood up to test Jesus. He asked what he must do to inherit eternal life. Jesus answered with a question about the Law. The man replied that a person must love the Lord with all the heart, soul, strength, and mind, and love a neighbour as oneself. Jesus said his answer was right.

Wanting to make himself look right, the man asked, “Who is my neighbour?” Jesus answered with a teaching story. A man was travelling from Jerusalem to Jericho when robbers attacked him, took his clothes, beat him, and left him badly hurt on the road.

First a priest came along that road. He saw the injured man, but went past on the other side. Then a Levite came to the same place. He also saw the man and passed by on the other side.

Then a Samaritan traveller came by. When he saw the wounded man, he was moved with compassion. He bandaged the man’s wounds and cared for him with oil and wine. Then he placed him on his own animal, brought him to an inn, and looked after him there.

The next day, the Samaritan gave the innkeeper money to continue caring for the man. He promised to repay any extra cost when he returned. Then Jesus asked which of the three had been a neighbour to the injured man. The law expert answered, “The one who showed mercy.” Jesus told him to go and do the same. Who can you show mercy to today?