Parable of the Good Samaritan: Verse, Meaning & Lesson

The Parable of the Good Samaritan is in Luke 10:30–37. Jesus told this parable to teach the importance of showing compassion and kindness to all, regardless of social boundaries.

This guide gives you a complete summary of the Parable of the Good Samaritan, including the verses in Scripture, the meaning, and lessons that can be applied to the Christian life.

Parable of the Good Samaritan In Scripture

Luke 10:30–37 – Parable of the Good Samaritan

³⁰Jesus answered, “A certain man was going down from Jerusalem to Jericho, and he fell amongst robbers, who both stripped him and beat him, and departed, leaving him half dead. ³¹ By chance a certain priest was going down that way. When he saw him, he passed by on the other side. ³² In the same way a Levite also, when he came to the place and saw him, passed by on the other side. ³³ But a certain Samaritan, as he travelled, came where he was. When he saw him, he was moved with compassion, ³⁴ came to him, and bound up his wounds, pouring on oil and wine. He set him on his own animal, brought him to an inn, and took care of him. ³⁵ On the next day, when he departed, he took out two denarii, gave them to the host, and said to him, ‘Take care of him. Whatever you spend beyond that, I will repay you when I return.’ ³⁶ Now which of these three do you think seemed to be a neighbour to him who fell amongst the robbers?”

³⁷He said, “He who showed mercy on him.”

Then Jesus said to him, “Go and do likewise.”

Read Luke 10

Parable of the Good Samaritan Meaning

This parable means that we should show mercy and compassion to others, regardless of their race, religion, or social status. Jesus told this metaphor to convey the idea of unconditional love and mercy, akin to the love that Jesus shows humanity.

As Christians, we are called to love and act with kindness towards all people, especially those in need. The parable challenges readers to reconsider who they view as their “neighbor” and encourages them to extend love and assistance beyond societal boundaries and prejudices.

This story has had a lasting impact, with the term “Good Samaritan” now synonymous with anyone who helps a stranger in need. It’s a reminder that true neighborly love is shown through our actions, not just our beliefs or words.

Parable of the Good Samaritan Lessons

Love Knows No Boundary

The main lesson is that we are called to show love to everyone, not just those within our own community or social circle.

Love Knows No End

Our compassion and assistance should not have limits; we should be willing to help as much as we can, whenever we can as Christians.

Love Should Be In the Context of God’s Commandment

The parable also teaches that actions should be guided by the love commanded by God, reflecting His principles in our lives.

Our Love for God Is Reflected In Our Love for Others

The way we treat others is a direct reflection of our relationship with God; loving others is an expression of our love for Him¹.

Learning Should Have the Right Motivation

A deeper lesson is that seeking knowledge and understanding God’s Word should be for the purpose of better serving and loving others, not for self-righteousness. As Christians, we should live out our faith through actions of kindness and mercy to others, following the example of the Good Samaritan, not only for our own gain of salvation.

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Summary of the Parable of the Good Samaritan

We hope you enjoyed this summary of the Parable of the Good Samaritan.

As you discovered, the Parable of the Good Samaritan appears in Luke 10:30–37. And the primary meaning of the parable is that we should show mercy and compassion to others, regardless of their race, religion, or social status. The life lessons include love knows no boundaries, love knows no end, love should be in the context of God’s commandment, our love for God is reflected in our love for others, and learning should have the right motivation to avoid self-righteousness.

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