Gathering in Grace: A Community Celebration of Faith and Fellowship

In this parable, Jesus teaches the importance of showing compassion and love to all people, regardless of their background or status. When a lawyer asks Jesus how to inherit eternal life, Jesus responds with the commandment to love God and neighbor. The lawyer then asks, “Who is my neighbor?” Jesus answers with the story of a man who is beaten and left for dead by the roadside. A priest and a Levite, both religious figures, pass by without helping, but a Samaritan— considered an enemy by the Jews—stops and cares for the injured man. The Samaritan bandages his wounds, takes him to an inn, and pays for his care.

The parable teaches that love and mercy transcend ethnic, cultural, or religious barriers. Jesus emphasizes that true neighbors are those who show kindness and compassion to others, regardless of differences. Through this story, Jesus calls His followers to embody unconditional love and care for others, especially those in need.