Parable of the Good Samaritan

Question

Note: This moral story, called a parable, was probably written down in Luke between 80 and 90 CE. Both the priest and the Levite were Jewish. The victim was also likely Jewish. Samaritans were from an old Jewish sect generally looked down upon by others.

There was a scholar of the law who stood up to test [Jesus] and said, “Teacher, what must I do to inherit eternal life?”

Jesus said to him, “What is written in the law? How do you read it?” He said in reply: “You shall love the

Lord, your God, with all your heart, with all your being, with all your strength, and with all your mind, and your neighbor as yourself.”

“You have answered correctly; do this and you will live.” But because he wanted to justify [excuse] himself, he said to Jesus, “And who is my neighbor?”

Jesus replied, “A man fell victim to robbers as he went down from Jerusalem to Jericho. They stripped and beat him and went off, leaving him half-dead. A priest happened to be going down that road, but when he saw him, he passed by on the other side.

Likewise, a Levite came to the place, and when he saw him, he passed by on the opposite side. But a Samaritan traveler who came upon him was moved with compassion at the sight. He approached the victim, poured oil and wine over his wounds and bandaged them. Then he lifted him up on his own animal, took him to an inn and cared for him.

The next day he took out two silver coins and gave them to the innkeeper with the instruction, “Take care of him. If you spend more than I have given you, I shall repay you on my way back.” Jesus asked the expert in the law, “Which of these three, in your opinion, was neighbor to the robbers’ victim?”

He replied, “The one who treated him with mercy.” Jesus said to him, “Go and do likewise.”

7. This type of story is called a “parable.” What is a parable?

8. What question was Jesus asked that caused him to respond by telling this parable?

9. What did the Jewish priest and the Levite do when they saw the naked, beaten man? What did the Samaritan do?

10. What message was Jesus stating in this parable?

11. In at least three sentences explain why the teachings of Jesus, mention Constantine, may have been attractive to many in the ancient world.

short responses

Answer 1

7. A parable is a simple story used to illustrate a moral or spiritual lesson, often involving relatable characters and situations to convey deeper meanings.

8. Jesus was asked by a scholar of the law what he must do to inherit eternal life, prompting the question, “And who is my neighbor?” which led to the parable of the Good Samaritan.

9. The Jewish priest and the Levite both saw the beaten man and passed by on the opposite side of the road, ignoring him. Conversely, the Samaritan stopped, showed compassion, treated the man’s wounds, and took him to an inn for further care.

10. Jesus was stating that true neighborly love transcends social and ethnic boundaries; it is demonstrated through acts of compassion and mercy, regardless of one’s background or identity.

11. The teachings of Jesus were appealing in the ancient world because they emphasized love, compassion, and community, which resonated with many who felt marginalized. Constantine’s conversion and subsequent support for Christianity helped legitimize and spread these teachings across the Roman Empire, making them more accessible. Additionally, the promise of eternal life offered hope and purpose to individuals in a time of uncertainty and social upheaval.