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The Bible story of the Good Samaritan is a parable told by Jesus, found in the Gospel of Luke, chapter 10, verses 25-37. The parable is a powerful lesson on compassion and neighborly love.

The Story:
Setting the Scene: The story begins with a lawyer—a scholar of Jewish law—asking Jesus what he must do to inherit eternal life. Jesus prompts him to answer his own question by summarizing the law: to love God with all one’s heart and to love one’s neighbor as oneself.

The Lawyer’s Question: Seeking to justify himself, the lawyer asks, “Who is my neighbor?” This question sets the stage for Jesus to tell the parable.

The Parable: Jesus narrates the story of a man traveling from Jerusalem to Jericho. This journey was known for its perilous terrain and high incidence of robbery. As the man travels, he is attacked by robbers, who strip him of his clothes, beat him, and leave him half-dead by the roadside.

The Passersby: First, a priest comes along. Seeing the wounded man, he crosses to the other side of the road and continues on his way, avoiding involvement. Next, a Levite, who serves in temple duties, also comes by, sees the man, and similarly avoids helping him.

The Samaritan: Finally, a Samaritan—a member of a group traditionally despised by Jews—comes upon the injured man. Unlike the priest and the Levite, the Samaritan is moved with compassion. He goes to the wounded man, bandages his wounds, and pours oil and wine on them. He then places the man on his own donkey, takes him to an inn, and takes care of him. The next day, the Samaritan gives the innkeeper money to continue caring for the man, promising to cover any additional expenses upon his return.

Jesus’ Lesson: Jesus concludes the parable by asking which of the three passersby was a neighbor to the man who fell among thieves. The lawyer responds, “The one who showed him mercy.” Jesus then instructs him to go and do likewise.

Significance:
The story of the Good Samaritan emphasizes the importance of compassion and mercy. It challenges societal norms and prejudices, demonstrating that true neighborliness transcends ethnic and religious boundaries. The parable teaches that love and kindness should be extended to everyone, regardless of their background, and that genuine neighborliness involves proactive and selfless help.

This story is a cornerstone of Christian ethics, often cited to illustrate the call to love one's neighbor and to act with empathy and generosity in everyday life.