Thematic Selections from the Bible

To understand this passage, we have to first look at the background of the three people that Jesus described. The Priests and Levis were both religious men, people who were chosen by God to represent Him. Yet they did not stop to help the injured man, because the man was half dead and injured all over. It has been written in the Law that men were not to touch blood or the bodies of dead people. To do so would mean that they would become ritually defiled in the sight of God. To become ‘clean’ again required a heavily long and tedious procedure of rites, and so, upon seeing the badly injured man, both men hurriedly backed away, and crossed on the other side of the path. On the other hand, the Samaritan saw the injured man and concern flooded his heart. He rushed to the man, provided him aid, carried him to an inn, and even paid for his food and lodging, for fear that the innkeeper would throw him out! The injured man was a Jew, and Jews looked down upon Samaritans, yet the Samaritan paid no heed to the bad blood between them and focused simply on helping the injured man!

Through this, Jesus was trying to bring across the fact where religion has blinded the hearts of professors of the law, where Christianity simply became a religion that was devoid of mercy and compassion. His key goal was to encourage us to cherish the spirit, and imitate the conduct of Jesus Christ.

Lk 10:30-37

30 Jesus made answer and said, A certain man was going down from Jerusalem to Jericho; and he fell among robbers, who both stripped him and beat him, and departed, leaving him half dead.

31 And by chance a certain priest was going down that way: and when he saw him, he passed by on the other side.

32 And in like manner a Levite also, when he came to the place, and saw him, passed by on the other side.

33 But a certain Samaritan, as he journeyed, came where he was: and when he saw him, he was moved with compassion,

34 and came to him, and bound up his wounds, pouring on oil and wine; and he set him on his own beast, and brought him to an inn, and took care of him.

35 And on the morrow he took out two shillings, and gave them to the host, and said, Take care of him; and whatsoever thou spendest more, I, when I come back again, will repay thee.

36 Which of these three, thinkest thou, proved neighbor unto him that fell among the robbers?

37 And he said, He that showed mercy on him. And Jesus said unto him, Go, and do thou likewise.