Just then a lawyer stood up to test Jesus. “Teacher,” he said, “what must I do to inherit eternal life?” He said to him, “What is written in the law? What do you read there?” He answered, “You shall 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 your neighbour as yourself.” And he said to him, “You have given the right answer; do this, and you will live.” But wanting to justify himself, he asked Jesus, “And who is my neighbour?” Jesus replied, “A man was going down from Jerusalem to Jericho, and fell into the hands of robbers, who stripped him, beat him, and went away, leaving him half dead. Now by chance a priest was going down that road; and when he saw him, he passed by on the other side. So likewise a Levite, when he came to the place and saw him, passed by on the other side. But a Samaritan while travelling came near him; and when he saw him, he was moved with pity. He went to him and bandaged his wounds, having poured oil and wine on them. Then he put him on his own animal, brought him to an inn, and took care of him. The next day he took out two denarii, gave them to the innkeeper, and said, ‘Take care of him; and when I come back, I will repay you whatever more you spend.’ Which of these three, do you think, was a neighbour to the man who fell into the hands of the robbers?” He said, “The one who showed him mercy.” Jesus said to him, “Go and do likewise.”

Deeper Dive into the Passage

The Gospel of Luke was written for a predominantly Gentile audience. The parable highlights the tension between Jews and Samaritans, who were historically at odds. By making a Samaritan the hero, Jesus challenges the prejudices of his Jewish audience, urging them to see beyond ethnic and religious boundaries.

The parable emphasises that true neighbourliness transcends cultural and religious divides. The Samaritan’s actions demonstrate that love is shown through deeds, not just words. This message is timeless, urging us today to act with compassion towards all, regardless of their background. In today’s context, this parable encourages us to break down barriers of race, religion, and social status. A modern example might be helping a stranger in need, regardless of their appearance or background, reflecting the Samaritan’s selfless care.

While parables are not historical accounts but teaching stories, they convey deep truths. The road from Jerusalem to Jericho was known for its dangers, making the story relatable to Jesus’ audience. The parable’s power lies in its moral and ethical teachings rather than its historical details.

“For you shall return to the Lord your God, and obey him with all your heart and with all your soul, just as I am commanding you today. Surely, this commandment that I am commanding you today is not too hard for you, nor is it too far away. It is not in heaven, that you should say, ‘Who will go up to heaven for us, and get it for us so that we may hear it and observe it?’ Neither is it beyond the sea, that you should say, ‘Who will cross to the other side of the sea for us, and get it for us so that we may hear it and observe it?’ No, the word is very near to you; it is in your mouth and in your heart for you to observe.”

Deeper Dive into the Passage

The writer emphasises that God’s commandments are not distant or inaccessible. This was crucial for the Israelites, who might have felt overwhelmed by the law. The passage reassures them that God’s word is within reach, both physically and spiritually. This can be interpreted today as a reminder that spiritual truths are not beyond our grasp but are present in our daily lives. The phrase “in your mouth and in your heart” suggests that the law is meant to be internalised, not just followed externally. This reflects a shift from mere ritual observance to a heartfelt commitment. In modern terms, it encourages us to live our values authentically, integrating them into our thoughts and actions.

Written for the Israelites as they prepared to enter the Promised Land, this passage aimed to reassure them of their ability to follow God’s law without needing intermediaries. Today, it can be seen as a call to personal responsibility in faith, much like how we are encouraged to take ownership of our moral and ethical decisions. While the exact words may not have been recorded verbatim, the essence of the message aligns with the broader themes of Deuteronomy, which emphasises covenant and obedience. The historical context supports the likelihood of such teachings being conveyed to the Israelites.

“He is the image of the invisible God, the firstborn of all creation; for in him all things in heaven and on earth were created, things visible and invisible, whether thrones or dominions or rulers or powers—all things have been created through him and for him. He himself is before all things, and in him all things hold together. He is the head of the body, the church; he is the beginning, the firstborn from the dead, so that he might come to have first place in everything. For in him all the fullness of God was pleased to dwell, and through him God was pleased to reconcile to himself all things, whether on earth or in heaven, by making peace through the blood of his cross.”

Deeper Dive into the Passage

The passage begins by describing Jesus as the “image of the invisible God.” This suggests that Jesus perfectly represents God to humanity. In the context of the early Church, this was a powerful statement against Gnostic beliefs that denied the material world’s goodness. Today, this can be seen as a reminder that in Jesus, we see God’s character and love. The text emphasises that all things were created through and for Christ, and that He holds everything together. This highlights His divine nature and role in creation. For the original audience, this would affirm Christ’s authority over all spiritual and earthly powers. In modern terms, it reassures us that Christ is central to the universe’s order and purpose.

The passage concludes with the idea of reconciliation through Christ’s sacrifice. This was a radical concept for the Colossians, who lived in a world of division and conflict. Today, it speaks to the hope of unity and peace through Christ’s love, transcending all barriers. While the passage is theological rather than historical, it reflects early Christian beliefs about Jesus’ divine nature and role. Its historical accuracy lies in its representation of early Christian doctrine rather than a literal event.

Just then a lawyer stood up to test Jesus. “Teacher,” he said, “what must I do to inherit eternal life?” He said to him, “What is written in the law? What do you read there?” He answered, “You shall 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 your neighbour as yourself.” And he said to him, “You have given the right answer; do this, and you will live.” But wanting to justify himself, he asked Jesus, “And who is my neighbour?” Jesus replied, “A man was going down from Jerusalem to Jericho, and fell into the hands of robbers, who stripped him, beat him, and went away, leaving him half dead. Now by chance a priest was going down that road; and when he saw him, he passed by on the other side. So likewise a Levite, when he came to the place and saw him, passed by on the other side. But a Samaritan while travelling came near him; and when he saw him, he was moved with pity. He went to him and bandaged his wounds, having poured oil and wine on them. Then he put him on his own animal, brought him to an inn, and took care of him. The next day he took out two denarii, gave them to the innkeeper, and said, ‘Take care of him; and when I come back, I will repay you whatever more you spend.’ Which of these three, do you think, was a neighbour to the man who fell into the hands of the robbers?” He said, “The one who showed him mercy.” Jesus said to him, “Go and do likewise.”

Deeper Dive into the Passage

The Gospel of Luke was written for a predominantly Gentile audience. The parable highlights the tension between Jews and Samaritans, who were historically at odds. By making a Samaritan the hero, Jesus challenges the prejudices of his Jewish audience, urging them to see beyond ethnic and religious boundaries.

The parable emphasises that true neighbourliness transcends cultural and religious divides. The Samaritan’s actions demonstrate that love is shown through deeds, not just words. This message is timeless, urging us today to act with compassion towards all, regardless of their background. In today’s context, this parable encourages us to break down barriers of race, religion, and social status. A modern example might be helping a stranger in need, regardless of their appearance or background, reflecting the Samaritan’s selfless care.

While parables are not historical accounts but teaching stories, they convey deep truths. The road from Jerusalem to Jericho was known for its dangers, making the story relatable to Jesus’ audience. The parable’s power lies in its moral and ethical teachings rather than its historical details.