The Parable Series: The Good Samaritan (Luke 10:25–37)
"Love is measured not by words or status, but by mercy in action."
The Parable:
A man is beaten and left for dead. A priest and Levite pass by, but a Samaritan, despised by Jews, stops to help, showing compassion and mercy.
Initial Misunderstanding:
The “wrong” person is the hero. Surely the priest or Levite should have acted as the righteous neighbor.
Deeper Meaning:
Jesus dismantles prejudice by showing that true neighborly love transcends social and cultural boundaries. Being a neighbor is defined by mercy, not status.
What did we learn?
Show compassion to all, even those you might consider “outsiders.”
Examine your hidden biases.
Love in action reveals the heart of God.
A Prayer
Merciful Father,
Open our eyes to see the needs of those around us and soften our hearts to respond with compassion. Remove from us prejudice, pride, and excuses that keep us from loving others as You love us. Help us to be true neighbors marked not by status or words, but by mercy in action. May our love point others to the heart of Christ.
In Jesus’ name, Amen.