Learn the Story of Jesus
Season 5: Revealing the King
5.6 — The Good Samaritan
5.6 — The Good Samaritan: Love is more than a feeling. Love takes action.
5.6 — The Good Samaritan
Who Is My Neighbor?
Jesus taught many lessons through stories.
One of His most famous parables began with a question.
A lawyer, an expert in the Law of Moses, approached Jesus and asked how a person could inherit eternal life.
Jesus directed him back to Scripture.
The man correctly answered that people should love God with all their heart, soul, strength, and mind, and love their neighbor as themselves.
But then he asked another question:
“And who is my neighbor?”
The question revealed a common desire to define the limits of responsibility.
How far does love have to go?
Who deserves compassion?
Who qualifies as a neighbor?
Jesus answered with a story that challenged the assumptions of His listeners and continues to challenge believers today.
Scripture References
Luke 10:25–37
Leviticus 19:18
Deuteronomy 6:5
Micah 6:8
Matthew 22:34–40
James 2:14–17
The Story
Jesus told of a man traveling from Jerusalem to Jericho.
Along the way, robbers attacked him.
They beat him, stripped him, and left him wounded beside the road.
A priest came by.
He saw the injured man but passed on the other side.
Later, a Levite came by.
He also saw the man and continued on his way.
Then a Samaritan arrived.
The Samaritan saw the wounded man and was moved with compassion.
He treated the man’s wounds.
He placed him on his own animal.
He took him to an inn.
He paid for his care and promised to cover any additional expenses.
After telling the story, Jesus asked:
“Which of these three proved to be a neighbor?”
The answer was obvious.
The one who showed mercy.
Jesus then said:
“Go and do the same.”
Understanding the Story
Why Is This Parable So Powerful?
The story overturns expectations.
Jesus’ listeners likely expected the priest or Levite to be the hero.
Instead, the Samaritan became the example of compassion and mercy.
What Happened on the Road to Jericho?
The road from Jerusalem to Jericho was steep, winding, and known for danger.
Robbery and violence were common.
Jesus used a setting familiar to His audience.
Why Did the Religious Leaders Pass By?
The text does not give a specific reason.
They may have feared danger.
They may have been concerned about ceremonial uncleanness.
Whatever the reason, they chose not to help.
The Samaritan chose compassion.
Understanding Jesus
Who Were the Samaritans?
The relationship between Jews and Samaritans was often marked by distrust and hostility.
Centuries of religious, cultural, and political conflict had created deep divisions.
Many Jewish listeners would have been shocked to hear Jesus portray a Samaritan as the hero of the story.
Why Did Jesus Choose a Samaritan?
Jesus wanted His listeners to understand that love for neighbor is not limited by ethnicity, background, social status, or personal preference.
Compassion should cross barriers.
What Is Mercy?
Mercy is compassion expressed through action.
The Samaritan did not simply feel concern.
He stopped, helped, sacrificed time and resources, and cared for someone in need.
Understanding Jesus: Jews and Samaritans
The hostility between Jews and Samaritans stretched back hundreds of years.
The two groups disagreed about worship, history, and religious authority.
Many avoided one another whenever possible.
Jesus frequently challenged these divisions.
He spoke with a Samaritan woman at a well.
He healed Samaritans.
And in this parable, He made a Samaritan the example of godly love.
The lesson demonstrates that God’s Kingdom is larger than human divisions.
Old Testament Connections
The lawyer’s original answer came directly from Scripture.
Deuteronomy commands people to love God completely.
Leviticus commands people to love their neighbors.
The prophets repeatedly emphasized justice, mercy, and compassion.
The Good Samaritan demonstrates what those commands look like in everyday life.
Love is not merely a feeling.
Love takes action.
Missing Context Check
Was Jesus Defining Neighbor by Geography?
No.
The lawyer wanted to know who qualified as a neighbor.
Jesus shifted the question.
Instead of asking who deserves love, believers should ask how they can become loving neighbors.
Does Compassion Require Sacrifice?
Often it does.
The Samaritan gave time, money, energy, and attention to help a stranger.
Biblical love frequently involves personal sacrifice.
Is This Story Only About Helping the Poor?
No.
The parable teaches a broader principle of compassion, mercy, and practical love toward people in need.
A Deeper Look: Seeing People Through God’s Eyes
The priest and Levite saw the wounded man.
The Samaritan saw him too.
The difference was not what they observed.
The difference was how they responded.
Many people notice suffering.
Followers of Jesus are called to respond with compassion.
The parable reminds believers that loving God and loving others cannot be separated.
This lesson connects closely to:
Related Lessons
Season 5: Revealing the King
5.3 The Greatest in the Kingdom
5.4 The Lost Sheep
5.5 Forgiveness and Mercy
5.9 Servant Leadership
Season 4: Miracles, Opposition, and Growing Faith
4.9 Counting the Cost of Following Jesus
Key Themes
Love Requires Action
The Samaritan demonstrated compassion through practical help.
Mercy Crosses Boundaries
God’s love extends beyond human divisions.
Every Person Has Value
The wounded traveler mattered to God.
Discipleship Includes Service
Followers of Jesus are called to care for others.
Why This Lesson Matters
People still ask questions similar to the lawyer’s question.
Who deserves my help?
Who deserves my concern?
How far should compassion go?
Jesus teaches that believers should not look for limits on love.
Instead, they should seek opportunities to show mercy.
This lesson challenges Christians to notice needs and respond with compassion.
Connecting to Jesus
This lesson reveals Jesus as:
The Teacher of Mercy.
The One Who Breaks Barriers.
The Compassionate Savior.
The Example of Selfless Love.
Many Christians also see Jesus reflected in the Samaritan’s actions.
Just as the Samaritan came to help someone who could not save himself, Jesus came to rescue humanity.
Living the Message
This week, look for someone who may need encouragement, kindness, or practical help.
Ask God to help you see people through His eyes.
Consider ways you can show compassion to someone outside your normal circle of friends or acquaintances.
Remember that mercy is love in action.
Reflection Questions
Why was the Samaritan’s role surprising?
Possible answers:
Many Jews and Samaritans had longstanding hostility toward one another.
What does the Samaritan teach about mercy?
Possible answers:
Mercy involves action, sacrifice, and compassion.
Why did Jesus tell this parable?
Possible answers:
To show what loving one’s neighbor looks like.
What barriers does God’s love cross?
Possible answers:
Ethnic, social, cultural, and personal barriers.
How can believers apply this lesson today?
Possible answers:
By showing practical compassion to people in need.
GROW Framework
Grounded in Scripture
Jesus taught that loving your neighbor means showing mercy through action.
Reasons We Believe
God’s love reaches across every barrier and calls believers to do the same.
Obedience in Action
Look for one opportunity this week to help someone in need.
Walk It Out
Ask God to help you become a neighbor to those around you.
Related Pages
Understanding Jesus: Cultural Insights
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