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Scott's Reference Library
Luke 10:25-37
Sunday Between July 10 and July 16 (Proper 10) C (Gospel) July 12, 1998
Luke 10:25-37
On one occasion an expert in the law stood up to test Jesus. "Teacher," he
asked, "what must I do to inherit eternal life?"
[26] "What is written in the Law?" he replied. "How do you read it?"
[27] 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.'"
[28] "You have answered correctly," Jesus replied. "Do this and you will
live."
[29] But he wanted to justify himself, so he asked Jesus, "And who is my
neighbor?"
[30] In reply Jesus said: "A man was going down from Jerusalem to Jericho, when he
fell into the hands of robbers. They stripped him of his clothes, beat him and went away,
leaving him half dead. [31] A priest happened to be going down the same road, and when he
saw the man, he passed by on the other side. [32] So too, a Levite, when he came to the
place and saw him, passed by on the other side. [33] But a Samaritan, as he traveled, came
where the man was; and when he saw him, he took pity on him. [34] He went to him and
bandaged his wounds, pouring on oil and wine. Then he put the man on his own donkey, took
him to an inn and took care of him. [35] The next day he took out two silver coins 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.'
[36] "Which of these three do you think was a neighbor to the man who fell into the
hands of robbers?"
[37] The expert in the law replied, "The one who had mercy on him."
Jesus told him, "Go and do likewise."
(NIV)
Luke 10:25-37 (The good Samaritan)
If we speak of eternal life, and the way to it, in a careless manner, we take the name of God in vain. No one will ever love God and his neighbour with any measure of pure, spiritual love, who is not made a partaker of converting grace. But the proud heart of man strives hard against these convictions. Christ gave an instance of a poor Jew in distress, relieved by a good Samaritan. This poor man fell among thieves, who left him about to die of his wounds. He was slighted by those who should have been his friends, and was cared for by a stranger, a Samaritan, of the nation which the Jews most despised and detested, and would have no dealings with. It is lamentable to observe how selfishness governs all ranks; how many excuses men will make to avoid trouble or expense in relieving others. But the true Christian has the law of love written in his heart. The Spirit of Christ dwells in him; Christ’s image is renewed in his soul. The parable is a beautiful explanation of the law of loving our neighbour as ourselves, without regard to nation, party, or any other distinction. It also sets forth the kindness and love of God our Saviour toward sinful, miserable men. We were like this poor, distressed traveller. Satan, our enemy, has robbed us, and wounded us: such is the mischief sin has done us. The blessed Jesus had compassion on us. The believer considers that Jesus loved him, and gave his life for him, when an enemy and a rebel; and having shown him mercy, he bids him go and do likewise. It is the duty of us all, in our places, and according to our ability, to succour, help, and relieve all that are in distress and necessity.
(Matthew Henry Concise Commentary)