The Story of the Good Samaritan: Full Narrative and Explanation

Nabil Ebraheim, M.D. and Andrew Ebraheim

The Full Story

The story of the Good Samaritan is a profound parable found in the Gospel of Luke, chapter 10, verses 25–37. It is a timeless tale that illustrates the essence of compassion, mercy, and love for one’s neighbor. Here is the passage:

The Parable of the Good Samaritan

“On one occasion, an expert in the law stood up to test Jesus. ‘Teacher,’ he asked, ‘what must I do to inherit eternal life?’

‘What is written in the Law?’ he replied. ‘How do you read it?’

He answered, ‘Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your strength and with all your mind’; and, ‘Love your neighbor as yourself.’

‘You have answered correctly,’ Jesus replied. ‘Do this and you will live.’

But he wanted to justify himself, so he asked Jesus, ‘And who is my neighbor?’

In reply, Jesus said: ‘A man was going down from Jerusalem to Jericho, when he was attacked by robbers. They stripped him of his clothes, beat him, and went away, leaving him half dead. A priest happened to be going down the same road, and when he saw the man, he passed by on the other side. So too, a Levite, when he came to the place and saw him, passed by on the other side. But a Samaritan, as he traveled, came where the man was; and when he saw him, he took pity on him. He went to him and bandaged his wounds, pouring on oil and wine. Then he put the man on his own donkey, brought him to an inn, and took care of him. The next day he took out two denarii and gave them to the innkeeper. “Look after him,” he said, “and when I return, I will reimburse you for any extra expense you may have.”’

‘Which of these three do you think was a neighbor to the man who fell into the hands of robbers?’

The expert in the law replied, ‘The one who had mercy on him.’

Jesus told him, ‘Go and do likewise.’”

Explanation and Roles of Each Person

1. The Man Who Fell Among Robbers

• Role: This man represents anyone who is suffering, vulnerable, or in need of help. Attacked, robbed, and left for dead, he symbolizes the physical and emotional wounds people can suffer.
• Real-Life Example: This character can represent anyone in society who is marginalized, victimized, or neglected.

2. The Priest

• Role: The priest represents religious authority and those expected to lead by example in following God’s commandments. However, he chose to ignore the suffering man, highlighting a failure to live out the commandment to love one’s neighbor.
• Real-Life Example: This character can be seen as representing people in positions of power or authority who fail to help those in need, possibly due to a concern for their own purity, status, or convenience.

3. The Levite

• Role: The Levite, also part of the religious leadership, was responsible for assisting in temple duties. His decision to pass by the wounded man symbolizes the neglect of duty to help others, despite being in a position that implies a commitment to God’s law.
• Real-Life Example: This character represents those who may be expected to help because of their roles or responsibilities but choose not to, possibly due to fear, indifference, or selfishness.

4. The Samaritan

• Role: The Samaritan represents the true neighbor, someone who shows compassion and mercy without prejudice. The choice of a Samaritan as the hero is significant because Samaritans were despised by Jews at the time. Jesus uses this to teach that love and kindness transcend ethnic and religious boundaries.
• Real-Life Example: The Samaritan symbolizes anyone who acts with compassion, regardless of social or cultural expectations. In modern terms, this could be a person who steps up to help others in need, even when it’s inconvenient or risky.

5. The Innkeeper

• Role: The innkeeper represents those who assist in ongoing care. The Samaritan entrusts the innkeeper with the care of the wounded man, showing that helping others can also involve trusting others to play their part.
• Real-Life Example: This character could represent healthcare workers, social workers, or anyone involved in the ongoing care of others. It also shows that supporting those who help others is part of loving your neighbor.

6. The Robbers

• Role: The robbers symbolize evil, harm, and the forces that cause suffering in the world. They represent those who take advantage of others, causing physical, emotional, or spiritual harm.
• Real-Life Example: This could represent people or systems that exploit or harm others, leading to their suffering.

Meaning and Teaching

The story teaches the importance of showing compassion and mercy to all people, regardless of their background or status. Jesus emphasizes that the commandment to “love your neighbor as yourself” extends beyond social, ethnic, or religious boundaries. The parable challenges us to rethink who our “neighbor” is and to act in love towards anyone in need.

Real-Life Applications for Health Professionals

For health professionals, the parable encourages prioritizing compassion and care for those in need, even when it may be inconvenient or outside regular working hours. This teaching suggests that helping others should take precedence over rigid adherence to rules or schedules, especially when someone’s well-being is at stake. Sacrifices in personal comfort or time, much like the Samaritan’s actions, are viewed as integral to fulfilling the duty to love and serve others.

Similar Examples Before and After Jesus

Before Jesus

The Old Testament includes teachings on caring for the poor and vulnerable, such as in the books of Isaiah and Proverbs. However, the parable of the Good Samaritan uniquely challenges prevailing social norms by elevating a despised outsider as the hero.

After Jesus

The teachings of the early Christian church emphasize care for the poor, the sick, and the marginalized, reflecting the principles illustrated in the Good Samaritan story. The Apostle Paul and others continued to promote these values in their letters.

God’s Message and Our Responsibility

God’s message through this parable is clear: we are called to love and care for our neighbors, even when it is difficult or costly. We should be willing to help those in need without prejudice or hesitation, reflecting God’s love for all humanity. Health professionals, in particular, have a responsibility to act with compassion and prioritize the well-being of their patients, embodying the spirit of the Good Samaritan in their daily work.