Topical Bible: Poor: Kindness to The Good Samaritan

◄ Poor: Kindness to The Good Samaritan ►

Jump to: Nave's • Library • Subtopics • Terms

Topical Encyclopedia

The parable of the Good Samaritan, found in Luke 10:25-37, is a profound illustration of kindness and compassion towards the poor and needy, transcending cultural and ethnic boundaries. This parable is a cornerstone in Christian teaching, emphasizing the call to love one's neighbor as oneself, a commandment that Jesus highlights as second only to loving God (Matthew 22:37-39).

In the narrative, a lawyer tests Jesus by asking, "Teacher, what must I do to inherit eternal life?" (Luke 10:25). Jesus responds by affirming the importance of the Law, which commands love for God and neighbor. Seeking to justify himself, the lawyer further inquires, "And who is my neighbor?" (Luke 10:29). Jesus answers with the parable of the Good Samaritan.

The account unfolds with a man traveling from Jerusalem to Jericho who falls among robbers. He is stripped, beaten, and left half-dead. A priest and a Levite, both respected figures in Jewish society, pass by without offering assistance. However, a Samaritan, a member of a group despised by the Jews, stops and shows compassion. He tends to the man's wounds, transports him to an inn, and ensures his care, even offering to cover any additional expenses (Luke 10:30-35).

The actions of the Samaritan exemplify true kindness and mercy. Despite the animosity between Jews and Samaritans, the Samaritan's compassion transcends societal prejudices. His willingness to help a stranger in need, regardless of ethnic or religious differences, embodies the essence of neighborly love.

This parable underscores the biblical mandate to care for the poor and marginalized. Throughout Scripture, God consistently calls His people to show kindness and justice to the needy. Proverbs 19:17 states, "Kindness to the poor is a loan to the LORD, and He will repay the lender." Similarly, Isaiah 58:6-7 emphasizes the importance of sharing food with the hungry and providing shelter to the homeless.

The Good Samaritan's actions align with these biblical principles, demonstrating that true righteousness involves active compassion and mercy. Jesus concludes the parable by asking, "Which of these three do you think was a neighbor to the man who fell into the hands of robbers?" The lawyer answers, "The one who showed him mercy." Jesus then instructs, "Go and do likewise" (Luke 10:36-37).

In this teaching, Jesus redefines the concept of neighbor, extending it beyond cultural and religious boundaries. The parable challenges believers to practice kindness and mercy, reflecting God's love to all, especially the poor and downtrodden. The Good Samaritan serves as a model for Christian conduct, urging followers of Christ to act with compassion and generosity, embodying the love of God in their interactions with others.

Nave's Topical Index

Luke 10:33-35
But a certain Samaritan, as he journeyed, came where he was: and when he saw him, he had compassion on him,
Nave's Topical Index

Library

The Good Samaritan.
... and inquires whether he is prepared to bestow kindness. ... only that once for all the
poor and the ... worthless, the true is beyond expression beautiful and good. ...
/.../arnot/the parables of our lord/xvii the good samaritan.htm

The Good Samaritan
... to be humane; to exercise humanity; which signifies, kindness to human ... of Christ
is the spirit by which the good Samaritan helped the poor wounded man ...
/.../kingsley/discipline and other sermons/sermon xiii the good samaritan.htm

The Good Samaritan
... Me to preach the gospel to the poor; He hath ... is illustrated in the story of the good
Samaritan, and made ... the children of God manifest mercy, kindness, and love ...
/.../white/the desire of ages/chapter 54 the good samaritan.htm

Melted by Kindness
... III. And so, lastly, notice the outcast melted by kindness. ... Half of my goods I give
to the poor,' and so ... that Zacchaeus should advertise his past good in order ...
/.../maclaren/expositions of holy scripture e/melted by kindness.htm

"Who is My Neighbor?"
... to carry the Gospel to the people by acts of kindness. ... What the poor man needed was
sympathy and help ... So the first thing the good Samaritan did was to pour oil ...
/.../christianbookshelf.org/moody/to the work to the work/chapter viii who is my.htm

The Christian's Fellow Man
... benign influence the rich and the poor, the talented ... The good Samaritan did this
at considerable personal risk, for ... words of cheer and acts of kindness on the ...
/.../sell/studies in the life of the christian/study iv the christians fellow.htm

Christ Teaching by Parables
... Jesus told the parable of the "Good Samaritan." We have ... He recognized in the poor
prisoner his friend of the ... and showed that he had not forgotten his kindness. ...
/.../newton/the life of jesus christ for the young/christ teaching by parables.htm

Letter Xlv. To Asella.
... I to think myself able to requite your kindness I should ... had them in derision, [921]
reserving my poor self and ... me, there is still the good Samaritan who, when ...
/.../jerome/the principal works of st jerome/letter xlv to asella.htm

Acts 17:26 "One Blood. "
... brotherly love, and practical, active, sympathetic kindness towards every ... you, whether
high or low, or rich or poor. Try daily to do some good upon earth, and ...
/.../the upper room being a few truths for the times/chapter vi acts 17 26 one.htm

The Rich Man and Lazarus.
... Abraham; while the Jews, who enjoyed so good a portion ... this world's wealth, but those
who are poor in spirit ... parable due to consummate art; the kindness of the ...
/.../christianbookshelf.org/arnot/the parables of our lord/xxvi the rich man and.htm