Legalistic Fidelity or Heartfelt Compassion
Setting of the Parable
An expert's question
His dialogue with Jesus
A final task to Accomplish
Jesus' stunning reversal of the discussion
Structure of the Parable
First Three visitors Come, Do, and Go
Robbers did what robbers are wont to do
Priest was not obligated to do good to a Samaritan who was not
His neighbor and had no way of knowing this man was not
a Samaritan
Levite would have known the priest was ahead of him and had
Done nothing so he was justified
Final Visitor Come, Do, and Do
Not "The delegation of Israel" the expert would have expected
A heretic and a hated person
He is moved with compassion for the injured traveler
Cares for his wounds
Becomes a servant to him
Risks his own life to get the stranger to safety
Provides for the expenses of his care
Provides for him to get out of town after his recovery
Significance of the parable
En ethic based on legalism is inadequate in the face of human suffering
Our discipleship must lead to merciful, compassionate love
Any attempt to justify ourselves is doomed to failure
Failing to do good when called for is as sinful as doing bad
Jesus reminds us that we must become a neighbor to anyone in need.
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