Unsatisfied by this answer, the lawyer asks: “But who is my neighbor?” His question might well be our question, as Jesus has not explained how to distinguish neighbors from those who are not our neighbors, or specifically what it means to love one’s neighbor as oneself. Jesus answers this question with the parable of the Good Samaritan.
This parable tells of a man who is robbed, beaten and left “half dead” beside the road. A Jewish priest and then a Levite (a Jewish layman active in religious affairs) come upon the man, but each continues on his way. A Samaritan, however, stops and helps the injured man, who we may assume is a Jew, as Jesus was a Jew and the lawyer who knew Jewish scripture was clearly also a Jew. As Samaritans and Jews had been enemies for five hundred years, making a Samaritan the good neighbor in a parable told to Jews adds to its impact.
The Samaritan interrupted his journey to help the injured Jew, took him to an inn, stayed with him, and when he left the inn gave the innkeeper enough money to provide for the health care of the injured man. “Which of these three,” Jesus asks the lawyer, “do you think, was a neighbor to the man who fell into the hands of the robbers?” “The one who showed him mercy,” the lawyer says. “Go,” Jesus replies, “and do likewise.” (Luke 10:25-37)
For centuries Christians have responded to this parable by providing
health care for those in need, which is why we have so many Good
Samaritan hospitals in the world. This is Christian faith at its best.
Now all Christians in the United States should support recognizing
health care as a human right.
Grace and peace . . . Bob Traer
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