Episode 338: Who is My Neighbor?

Jesus tells a parable about a man who is robbed and left to die who is helped by a Samaritan passer-by. Samaritans are considered inferior by the Jews since they have intermarried with non-Jews and do not keep all the law. Therefore, Jews would have nothing to do with them. We do not know if the injured man is a Jew or Gentile, but it makes no difference to the Samaritan; he does not consider the man’s race or religion. The “Good Samaritan” sees only a person in dire need of assistance, and he acts. A good intention that is never acted upon is worth nothing in God’s Kingdom. What matters to Jesus is the action we take in the form of the help and support we give to those in need.

Scriptures referenced include Luke 10:25-37; John 13:34; and Matthew 25:35-36.