Overview
This lesson recounts Jesus' parable of the Good Samaritan, using it to illustrate the meaning of mercy and the command to love one’s neighbor.
The Context and Question
- Jesus was approached by a religious expert asking how to inherit eternal life.
- Jesus asked what the law says; the expert replied to love God fully and love one's neighbor as oneself.
- The expert then questioned, "Who is my neighbor?"
The Parable of the Good Samaritan
- A Jewish man was attacked, robbed, and left injured on the road from Jerusalem to Jericho.
- A priest saw the injured man but crossed to the other side and did not help.
- A Levite, another religious worker, also saw the man and passed by without helping.
- A Samaritan, despite cultural hostility between Jews and Samaritans, felt compassion and helped the injured man.
- The Samaritan treated his wounds, brought him to an inn, cared for him, and paid for his continued care.
The Lesson on Mercy and Neighborly Love
- Jesus asked which person was a neighbor to the injured man; the expert answered, "The one who showed him mercy."
- Jesus instructed, "Go and do the same," emphasizing that a neighbor is anyone in need whom we can help.
Key Takeaways
- Mercy and compassion define what it means to be a true neighbor.
- Helping others transcends cultural, social, and religious barriers.
- Jesus calls his followers to act with kindness and compassion as the Good Samaritan did.