Luke 10:30-36
30 Jesus replied, “A man was going down from Jerusalem to Jericho, when he was attacked by robbers. They stripped him of his clothes, beat him and went away, leaving him half dead.
31 A priest happened to be going down the same road, and when he saw the man, he passed by on the other side.
32 So too, a Levite, when he came to the place and saw him, passed by on the other side.
33 But a Samaritan, as he traveled, came where the man was; and when he saw him, he took pity on him.
34 He went to him and bandaged his wounds, pouring on oil and wine. Then he put the man on his own donkey, brought him to an inn and took care of him.
35 The next day he took out two denarii and gave them to the innkeeper. ‘Look after him,’ he said, ‘and when I return, I will reimburse you for any extra expense you may have.’
36 “Which of these three do you think was a neighbor to the man who fell into the hands of robbers?”
Luke 10:30-36: Verse-by-Verse Analysis
Verse 30: Jesus replied, “A man was going down from Jerusalem to Jericho, when he was attacked by robbers. They stripped him of his clothes, beat him and went away, leaving him half dead.”
Jesus begins the parable with a man traveling from Jerusalem to Jericho. This road was known for its danger and frequent robberies. The man is attacked, stripped, beaten, and left half dead. This sets the stage for the story’s moral lesson.
Verse 31: “A priest happened to be going down the same road, and when he saw the man, he passed by on the other side.”
A priest, a religious leader, sees the injured man but chooses to avoid him. This highlights the failure of religious duty and compassion. The priest’s actions are a critique of those who prioritize ritual purity over mercy.
Verse 32: “So too, a Levite, when he came to the place and saw him, passed by on the other side.”
Similarly, a Levite, another religious figure, also avoids the man. Levites assisted priests in temple duties. His neglect further emphasizes the lack of compassion among those expected to be righteous.
Verse 33: “But a Samaritan, as he traveled, came where the man was; and when he saw him, he took pity on him.”
The Samaritan, considered an outsider and enemy by Jews, shows compassion. His actions contrast sharply with the priest and Levite. This choice of character challenges societal prejudices and highlights true neighborly love.
Verse 34: “He went to him and bandaged his wounds, pouring on oil and wine. Then he put the man on his own donkey, brought him to an inn and took care of him.”
The Samaritan not only stops but also provides first aid using oil and wine, common remedies of the time. He then transports the man on his donkey to an inn, ensuring his continued care. This demonstrates active and sacrificial love.
Verse 35: “The next day he took out two denarii and gave them to the innkeeper. ‘Look after him,’ he said, ‘and when I return, I will reimburse you for any extra expense you may have.'”
The Samaritan goes further by paying for the man’s stay and promising to cover any additional costs. Two denarii were significant, covering about two days’ wages. This shows his commitment to the man’s recovery.
Verse 36: “Which of these three do you think was a neighbor to the man who fell into the hands of robbers?”
Jesus concludes with a question, prompting self-reflection. The answer is clear: the Samaritan. This challenges listeners to redefine their understanding of ‘neighbor’ and to act with compassion, regardless of social boundaries.