Luke 10:31

Now by chance a priest was going down the same road, but when he saw him, he passed by on the other side.

Study Bible

Now by chance
The phrase "by chance" in the Greek is "κατὰ συγκυρίαν" (kata sugkurian), which implies a seemingly random occurrence. In the context of divine providence, this phrase can be seen as highlighting the unexpected nature of the encounter. It suggests that while the meeting appears coincidental, it is within God's sovereign plan. This serves as a reminder that God orchestrates events in our lives, often using what seems random to fulfill His purposes.

a priest
The priest, or "ἱερεύς" (hiereus) in Greek, was a religious leader in Jewish society, responsible for performing sacrifices and maintaining the temple rituals. Priests were expected to embody the law and demonstrate compassion and mercy. The mention of a priest in this parable is significant because it sets up an expectation of religious duty and moral responsibility. The priest's role underscores the theme of religious hypocrisy when he fails to act compassionately.

was going down the same road
The road from Jerusalem to Jericho was notoriously dangerous, known for its steep descent and frequent robberies. The phrase "going down" indicates the physical journey from the holy city of Jerusalem to Jericho, a city often associated with sin. This journey can symbolize a spiritual descent or a movement away from the presence of God, highlighting the priest's moral failure in the story.

but when he saw him
The Greek word for "saw" is "ἰδών" (idōn), which implies more than a casual glance; it suggests a deliberate observation. The priest's seeing indicates awareness and recognition of the man's plight. This moment of seeing is crucial because it represents the opportunity for compassion and action. The priest's failure to respond after seeing the injured man highlights a disconnect between knowledge and action, a theme that resonates with the call to live out one's faith through deeds.

he passed by on the other side
The phrase "passed by on the other side" is translated from the Greek "ἀντιπαρῆλθεν" (antiparēlthen), which means to avoid or to go around. This action signifies a deliberate choice to avoid involvement or responsibility. The priest's decision to pass by reflects a prioritization of ritual purity over compassion, as touching a potentially dead body would have rendered him ceremonially unclean. This choice underscores the parable's critique of legalism and the call to prioritize love and mercy over ritualistic adherence.

Persons / Places / Events

1. Priest
A religious leader in Jewish society responsible for temple duties and rituals. The priest in this parable represents those who are expected to uphold God's law and show compassion.

2. The Road
The road from Jerusalem to Jericho, known for being treacherous and dangerous, often frequented by robbers. It symbolizes life's journey, filled with unexpected challenges and opportunities to demonstrate faith.

3. The Injured Man
Although not mentioned in this specific verse, the injured man is central to the parable. He represents those in need of mercy and compassion.

4. The Parable of the Good Samaritan
This event is part of a larger teaching by Jesus, illustrating the command to love one's neighbor and challenging societal norms and prejudices.

5. Jesus
The accountteller, using this parable to teach about true neighborly love and the essence of the Law.

Teaching Points

Religious Duty vs. Compassionate Action
The priest's failure to help highlights the danger of prioritizing religious rituals over genuine acts of love and mercy.

Seeing and Responding
The priest saw the injured man but chose to pass by. True discipleship requires not just seeing needs but responding to them with compassion.

Breaking Social Norms for Love
The parable challenges us to break societal and cultural barriers to show love, as Jesus did.

The Cost of Indifference
Ignoring those in need can have spiritual consequences, as it reflects a heart not aligned with God's love.

Living Out the Greatest Commandments
Our actions towards others reflect our love for God, as loving our neighbor is an expression of our faith.

Bible Study Questions

1. What might have been the priest's reasons for passing by the injured man, and how do these reasons reflect challenges we face today in helping others?

2. How does the road from Jerusalem to Jericho symbolize the journey of life, and what lessons can we learn about preparedness and compassion?

3. In what ways does the parable of the Good Samaritan challenge our understanding of who our "neighbor" is?

4. How can we ensure that our religious practices do not overshadow the call to love and serve others?

5. Reflect on a time when you had the opportunity to help someone in need. How did you respond, and what did you learn from that experience in light of this parable?

Connections to Other Scriptures

Leviticus 19:18
This verse commands love for one's neighbor, which is central to the parable's message.

Matthew 22:37-39
Jesus summarizes the Law with the greatest commandments, emphasizing love for God and neighbor, which the priest fails to demonstrate.

James 2:14-17
This passage discusses faith without works being dead, paralleling the priest's lack of action despite his religious status.