Good Samaritan

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1. Name / Role

Good Samaritan

2. Category

Parables / Symbolic Figures

3. Time Period / Biblical Context

The Parable of the Good Samaritan is found in Luke 10:25–37. It is spoken by Jesus in response to a lawyer’s question, “Who is my neighbour?” within a discussion about inheriting eternal life and fulfilling the command to love one’s neighbour as oneself.

4. Origin / Background

The parable is set in the context of first-century Jewish-Samaritan tensions. Samaritans were widely despised by Jews due to historical, ethnic, and religious differences. The road from Jerusalem to Jericho was known for its danger, making the scene relatable. Jesus deliberately uses a Samaritan—seen as a social and religious outsider—as the one who embodies true compassion and obedience to God’s law.

5. Primary Role / Function

The Good Samaritan functions as a model of genuine neighbourly love, compassion, and practical mercy. He contrasts with the priest and Levite, who represent religious indifference. The parable overturns conventional ideas of righteousness by making the socially marginalised Samaritan the true fulfiller of the Law.

6. Key Characteristics / Traits

  • Priest and Levite: Religious professionals who pass by the injured man
  • Good Samaritan: Compassionate, generous, self-sacrificing
  • Wounded man: Left for dead, symbolises human vulnerability
  • Innkeeper: Partner in extending care and recovery

7. Symbolism / Spiritual Significance

The Good Samaritan symbolises Christ-like compassion and the true meaning of love in action. The parable challenges ethnic prejudice, religious hypocrisy, and moral passivity. Spiritually, the Samaritan is sometimes interpreted as a type of Christ—one who crosses boundaries, tends to the wounded, and pays the price for another’s healing.

8. Notable Figures / Examples

  • The Lawyer – Tests Jesus but is challenged to rethink neighbourly love
  • The Injured Man – Victim of violence and neglect; represents all in need
  • The Priest and Levite – Fail to fulfil the heart of the Law
  • The Samaritan – Embodiment of mercy and practical love
  • The Innkeeper – Aided in long-term care, entrusted by the Samaritan

9. Related Bible References

  • Luke 10:25–37 – Full parable text
  • Leviticus 19:18 – “Love your neighbour as yourself”
  • Micah 6:8 – “Do justly, love mercy, walk humbly”
  • Matthew 5:43–48 – Love your enemies
  • 1 John 3:17–18 – Love must be shown in action, not words alone
  • James 2:14–17 – Faith without works is dead

10. Summary / Reflection

The Parable of the Good Samaritan redefines neighbourly love through the lens of compassionate action rather than cultural proximity or religious identity. It cuts through social barriers and theological debates to call believers to active, self-giving love. The Samaritan models mercy that transcends prejudice and risk, pointing to the kind of love God shows and demands. In this story, Jesus not only calls His listeners to mercy, but also demonstrates how gospel love reaches the broken on the roadside and restores them at great cost.

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