The Lord Will

The Parable of the Good Samaritan in the Bible

The parable of the Good Samaritan (Luke 10:25-37) is one of Jesus' most famous teachings on love for one's neighbor. To a lawyer who asked 'who is my neighbour?', Jesus replied with the account of a man stripped and left half dead, helped not by the priest nor by the Levite, but by a despised Samaritan who crossed every social and racial barrier to come to the aid of a stranger. Second Timothy 3:17 speaks of the man of God being perfect and thoroughly furnished unto all good works, and 2 Timothy 4:7 evokes the good fight fought to the end: the Samaritan's active mercy illustrates these concrete good works. Ephesians 2:10 declares that we are God's workmanship, created in Christ Jesus unto good works, which God hath before ordained that we should walk in them. The parable overturns the original question: it is no longer a matter of asking 'who deserves to be my neighbor?' but 'how can I be a neighbor to the one in need?' Jesus concludes with an unmistakable call: 'Go, and do thou likewise' (Luke 10:37). Galatians 6:10 extends this teaching: 'As we have therefore opportunity, let us do good unto all men, especially unto them who are of the household of faith.' The Good Samaritan remains the model of the believer who sees the need, stops, and acts with practical compassion.

Key verse snapshot

“That the man of God may be perfect, throughly furnished unto all good works. ”

Bible Verses about The Parable of the Good Samaritan

6 Scripture passages on this theme

2 Timothy 3:17

“That the man of God may be perfect, throughly furnished unto all good works. ”

2 Timothy 4:7

“I have fought a good fight, I have finished my course, I have kept the faith:”

Ephesians 2:10

“For we are his workmanship, created in Christ Jesus unto good works, which God hath before ordained that we should walk in them.”

Isaiah 52:7

“How beautiful upon the mountains are the feet of him that bringeth good tidings, that publisheth peace; that bringeth good tidings of good, that publisheth salvation; that saith unto Zion, Thy God reigneth!”

James 1:17

“Every good gift and every perfect gift is from above, and cometh down from the Father of lights, with whom is no variableness, neither shadow of turning.”

Joshua 1:9

“Have not I commanded thee? Be strong and of a good courage; be not afraid, neither be thou dismayed: for the Lord thy God is with thee whithersoever thou goest.”

Frequently Asked Questions

What does the parable of the Good Samaritan teach?
Luke 10:36-37 concludes: 'Which now of these three, thinkest thou, was neighbour unto him that fell among the thieves? And he said, He that shewed mercy on him. Then said Jesus unto him, Go, and do thou likewise.' The parable calls for an active mercy that does not stop at cultural barriers.
How do we apply the Good Samaritan's teaching today?
Galatians 6:10 instructs: 'As we have therefore opportunity, let us do good unto all men, especially unto them who are of the household of faith.' Today's Good Samaritan is the believer who sees the need, stops, acts with concrete compassion, and does not pass by, whatever the identity of the one who suffers.
Who is my neighbor according to this parable?
Jesus reverses the question. The neighbor is not defined by belonging, origin, or merit, but by the need encountered. The Samaritan, despised by the Jews, becomes the model of love, showing that every human being in distress is our neighbor. Ephesians 2:10 reminds us that we are created for such good works.

Apply These Verses to Your Life

Scripture comes alive when we meditate on it and apply it daily. Read these verses in full context, pray for understanding, and ask God how they speak to your situation with the parable of the good samaritan.

Author:
The Lord Will Editorial Team
Reviewed by:
Ugo Candido
Last updated:
Category:
Scripture Guidance