The Parable of the Good Samaritan, recorded in Luke 10:25-37, is one of the most profoundly influential stories not only in the Bible but also in the history of human civilization. The term "Good Samaritan" has become a universal symbol of compassion, lending its name to countless hospitals, charitable organizations, and even laws protecting those who help others in many countries.
Context: A Testing Question
The parable was told in response to a lawyer who wanted to test Jesus. He asked, "What must I do to inherit eternal life?" When Jesus turned the question back to the law, the lawyer answered correctly: "Love the Lord your God... and love your neighbor as yourself." But seeking to justify himself, he further asked, "And who is my neighbor?" This question reflects a heated debate within first-century Judaism. Many religious leaders limited "neighbor" to fellow Jews, excluding Gentiles and especially Samaritans.
The Biblical Story
A man was going down from Jerusalem to Jericho, when he fell into the hands of robbers. They stripped him of his clothes, beat him and went away, leaving him
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