Who Is My Neighbour? Living Out the Parable of the Good Samaritan
One of the most powerful and convicting teachings of Jesus Christ is found in the Parable of the Good Samaritan, recorded in Luke 10:25–37.
It begins with a lawyer asking Jesus, "Master, what shall I do to inherit eternal life?" Jesus replies with a question: "What is written in the law?" The man responds correctly, citing the two great commandments: love God and love your neighbour. But seeking to justify himself, he then asks, "And who is my neighbour?"
To answer, Jesus tells this story:
A certain man went down from Jerusalem to Jericho and fell among thieves, who stripped him, wounded him
, and left him half dead.
A priest came by and saw him but passed on the other side. Likewise, a Levite came, looked on him, and also passed by.
But a certain Samaritan, when he saw the man, had compassion. He went to him, bound up his wounds, poured in oil and wine, set him on his own beast, brought him to an inn, and took care of him.
The next day, he paid the innkeeper and promised to repay any additional costs.
Jesus then asked, "Which now of these three, thinkest thou, was neighbour unto him that fell among the thieves?" The lawyer answered, "He that shewed mercy on him." Jesus said, "Go, and do thou likewise."
Who Is Our Neighbour?
In this parable, Jesus radically redefines the concept of a neighbour. The Jews and Samaritans were historically hostile toward each other, yet the Samaritan—not the religious leaders—was the one who acted with compassion. According to Jesus, a neighbour is not defined by proximity, race, religion, or social status. A neighbour is anyone in need whom we can help, and we are called to be that neighbour.
This teaching challenges any limits we might place on our love and concern for others. It commands us to look beyond boundaries and extend mercy to all, especially those whom society might overlook or disdain.
How Should We Behave as Good Neighbours?
To be a good neighbour, we must emulate the Samaritan’s compassion, initiative, and sacrificial care. This means:
- Seeing others in their suffering and not turning away.
- Acting with mercy even when it’s inconvenient.
- Giving of our resources—time, energy, and possessions—for the good of others.
- Refusing to let prejudice or personal discomfort prevent us from helping.
As James writes, "If ye fulfil the royal law according to the scripture, Thou shalt love thy neighbour as thyself, ye do well" (James 2:8, KJV).
Applying This to Christian Ethics and Daily Life
In Christian ethics, love for neighbour is foundational. Jesus stated, "On these two commandments hang all the law and the prophets" (Matthew 22:40, KJV). This love is not passive; it is active, visible, and transformative.
In daily life, this means:
- Standing up for justice for the vulnerable.
- Helping those in physical, emotional, or spiritual distress.
- Forgiving those who wrong us.
- Treating strangers, immigrants, and even enemies with kindness.
- Avoiding partiality or judgment based on outward appearance (James 2:1–9).
Being a good neighbour is not a single act but a daily posture of the heart. It is rooted in the Gospel, where we see that Jesus Himself is the ultimate Good Samaritan—He came to us when we were helpless, bound up our wounds, and gave His life for our healing and salvation.
Conclusion
The question "Who is my neighbour?" is one we must continually ask—not to limit our responsibilities, but to broaden our love. As Jesus commands, "Go, and do thou likewise." Let us love not in word only, but in deed and truth (1 John 3:18), walking as Christ walked and serving as His hands and feet in a hurting world.
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