More than likely, you’ve made a big mistake if you attempt to test Jesus with a trick question. An expert in the law tried that and asked Jesus what was necessary to inherit eternal life.
Jesus turned the question back to the man and asked him what the law said. The man answered correctly, stating that the law includes loving God with all your heart, mind, soul, and strength, as well as loving your neighbor as yourself.
Jesus affirmed his answer, telling him he was right and that if he followed these commands, he would live. The highly educated teacher of the law, unwilling to be outdone by an untrained peasant from Galilee, had one more question to pose to Jesus.
But wanting to vindicate himself, he asked Jesus, “And who is my neighbor?” (Luke 10:29).
Jesus used parables to encourage people to think deeply, avoiding direct confrontations that might push them away or provoke a negative reaction. In this instance, he employed a parable to draw the audience in and gain their agreement, only to deliver a powerful punchline that revealed the flaws in their thinking.
Jesus told a story familiar to many in our time, about a man traveling from Jerusalem to Jericho who was attacked by robbers. They beat him, stole his clothes, and left him half-dead.
A priest came along but passed by on the other side of the road. Interestingly, Jesus’ audience would have expected this behavior from a priest.
Likewise, when a Levite came by, he also saw the man and passed on the other side, as the crowd would have anticipated.
What they did not expect was that a Samaritan—someone despised by the Jews—would arrive and be the one to help.
Notice what qualities of character the Samaritan possessed.
Vs. 33 – He had compassion for the injured man.
Vs. 34 – He provided for the man’s needs.
Vs. 35 – He offered to pay for continued care for the injured human.
Jesus frequently used parables in his teaching because they encouraged his audience to reflect on situations they might not otherwise consider.
Although Samaritans were traditionally seen as enemies, the actions of this Samaritan in the story were undeniably praiseworthy. He was depicted as someone who did what was necessary to care for the injured man, challenging the audience’s preconceived notions.
With the audience fully engaged, Jesus seized the moment to lead them to a point of personal reflection and confrontation.
Jesus said, “Which of these three, do you think, was a neighbor to the man who fell into the hands of the robbers?”
The man replied, “The one who showed him mercy.”
Jesus said to him, “Go and do likewise” (Luke 10:36-37).
Answers in the Back of the Book
When I was in grade school, I somehow ended up with a copy of the teacher’s book for my math class. I don’t remember how I got it, but I did.
I quickly discovered that the answers to all the problems were in the back of the book. With those answers, I was able to complete my homework and do quite well.
However, there was one major issue: I knew the answers, but I didn’t actually know how to solve the problems.
Approaching the parable of the Good Samaritan when we already know the “right” answer can feel similar. It’s like having the answers in the back of the book.
The critical question isn’t whether we know the right answer, but whether we understand how to work through the problem.
As we reflect on this parable, let’s ask ourselves: How well are we doing at loving our neighbors as ourselves? How are we doing at loving God with all of our heart, soul, mind, and strength?
YouTube Discussion
Rudy Ross, Bruce Kirby, and I discussed this passage on YouTube today.
Real Voices 