The Good Samaritan: A lesson about Love Without Limits

 

                                                   

In Luke 10:25-37, Jesus tells one of his most powerful parables: the story of the Good Samaritan. It begins with a question from a religious expert: “Who is my neighbor?” In response, Jesus paints a vivid picture of compassion that still speaks deeply to us today.

A man was traveling from Jerusalem to Jericho when he was attacked by robbers, stripped, beaten, and left for dead.

A priest came by, saw the man, and passed on the other side. Then a Levite, another religious figure, did the same. But a Samaritan — someone from a group despised by Jews — saw the injured man and was moved with compassion.

He didn’t just feel bad. He acted. He bandaged the man's wounds, took him to an inn, and paid for his care.

Jesus ended the story with a question: “Which of these three do you think was a neighbor to the man?” The answer was clear — the one who showed mercy.

This parable isn’t just about helping someone in need. It’s about breaking down barriers of race, religion, and status. The Samaritan didn’t ask who the man was or if he deserved help. He simply saw a human being in pain and responded with love.

In a world where it’s easy to turn away from suffering or judge who is “worthy,” Jesus calls us to a different standard — one of radical, selfless compassion.

Who is your neighbor? Anyone who needs love. And that kind of love doesn’t just change one life — it changes the world.