Which of these three do you think proved to be a neighbor to the man who fell into the hands of the robbers?
Luke 10:36
Read this very carefully. The Parable of the Good Samaritan is one of the most well-known passages in the Bible. But that doesn’t mean it is well understood or interpreted.
What did the lawyer ask Jesus? Who is my neighbor? So, the story is meant to address that question. And Jesus ends the story with a pointed application question.
Who was the neighbor of the man who was attacked and injured by the theives? Notice the wording. Jesus is asking a guiding question. A four-year-old could answer. It’s that kind of question. There is an expected answer.
Now this totally turns our normal interpretation on its head. Normally we say that loving your neighbor means loving everyone, even people we don’t like. That is true, we should love everyone. And Jesus teaches that. But that isn’t what He is after with this question.
Instead, Jesus implies that the Samaritan was the neighbor that the injured man should love, and the priest and Levite we’re not. Why? Why would Jesus do that?
Jesus is teaching this man to love those who acted in accordance with the laws of God. This didn’t mean the man was supposed to hate the priest and Levite. But he should first love the one who had done the right thing.
Jesus Himself practiced this. Though He preached to all, He focused on those who were willing to listen. Yes, He loves all men, but He will take those who receive Him into His family.
Heavenly Father, thank You so much for making us brothers and sisters in Christ! The family bond we share is deeper than any other. You are merciful and gracious, and faithful! In the Name of the Lord Jesus Christ I pray and praise You, Amen.