soul journey 
In a world that often encourages self-interest and division, the Parable of the Good Samaritan found in Luke 10:25–37 offers a timeless lesson in compassion, mercy, and what it truly means to love our neighbor. Jesus told this powerful story in response to a question from a legal expert who asked, “What must I do to inherit eternal life?” (Luke 10:25).
When Jesus asked him how he interpreted the law, the man answered correctly:
“‘Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your strength and with all your mind’; and, ‘Love your neighbor as yourself.’” (Luke 10:27)
Still seeking to justify himself, he pressed further, “And who is my neighbor?” (Luke 10:29)
Jesus replied with a story that would redefine what it means to treat others with love and mercy:
Why the “Good Samaritan” Was So Shocking
In the Parable of the Good Samaritan (Luke 10:25–37), Jesus deliberately chose a Samaritan—someone his Jewish audience would see as an outsider or even an enemy—to be the hero who shows mercy, while a priest and Levite, respected Jewish leaders, passed by the injured man.
This would have shocked and challenged Jesus’ listeners, illustrating that compassion and godliness are not limited to one group. It taught that true love for others transcends social, religious, and ethnic boundaries.
The Story of the Good Samaritan
A man was traveling from Jerusalem to Jericho when he was attacked by robbers. Beaten and left half-dead, he lay helpless on the side of the road.
First came a priest, someone expected to show compassion, but he passed by on the other side.
Then came a Levite, another religious figure, and he too avoided the wounded man.
But then came a Samaritan—a person from a group often despised by the Jews. This man, whom no one would have expected to help, was the one who stopped. He bandaged the man’s wounds, placed him on his own donkey, and brought him to an inn to care for him. He even paid for the man’s ongoing care and promised to cover any extra expenses.
After telling the story, Jesus asked, “Which of these three do you think was a neighbor to the man who fell into the hands of robbers?” (Luke 10:36)
The expert replied, “The one who had mercy on him.”
Jesus said, “Go and do likewise.” (Luke 10:37)
What This Teaches Us About How to Treat Others
1. Compassion Goes Beyond Categories
The Samaritan helped someone who, by cultural and religious standards, would have been considered his enemy. Real compassion doesn’t ask, “Do they deserve my help?” It simply sees the need and responds with love.
2. Love is Action, Not Just Emotion
The Samaritan didn’t just feel sorry for the man—he did something. Love isn’t passive. It shows up, speaks up, steps in. 1 John 3:18 says, “Let us not love with words or speech but with actions and in truth.”
3. Kindness May Cost Us Something
The Samaritan gave his time, energy, and resources. Loving others might mean sacrifice, inconvenience, or stepping out of our comfort zone. But it’s in those moments that we most reflect the heart of God.
4. Everyone is Our Neighbor
Jesus deliberately chose a Samaritan in His story to show that our “neighbor” is not just the one who looks like us or believes like us—it’s anyone in need. There are no limits to whom we’re called to love.
Final Thought
The command Jesus gave—“Go and do likewise”—is more than a moral suggestion. It’s a call to live with eyes wide open to the needs around us and hearts willing to act in love. The world doesn’t need more judgment; it needs more mercy.
We are each given daily opportunities to be a “Good Samaritan” to someone around us. Whether it’s through a kind word, a helping hand, or simply showing up with compassion, we fulfill the law of love when we treat others as Jesus has taught us.
“Love your neighbor as yourself.” – Luke 10:27
“Go and do likewise.” – Luke 10:37
Let’s be people who don’t just walk by, but who stop, care, and love—just as we have been loved.
