In Luke 10, a lawyer approaches Jesus with a question that still echoes through every generation: “Who is my neighbor?” He wasn’t seeking information—he was seeking justification. He wanted to know the limits of love, the boundaries of responsibility, the minimum requirement for obedience. Jesus responded not with a definition, but with a story.

A Man in Need

A traveler is beaten, robbed, and left half‑dead on the road from Jerusalem to Jericho. Two religious leaders—a priest and a Levite—see him but pass by on the other side. They represent those who know the law but fail to live it. Their proximity did not produce compassion. Their position did not produce mercy.

A Samaritan Who Stopped

Then comes the most unlikely hero: a Samaritan—a man from a group despised by the Jews. Yet he is the one who stops. He sees the wounded man, is moved with compassion, and acts.

• He binds wounds.
• He lifts the man onto his own animal.
• He pays for his care.
He promises to return.

Jesus’ point is unmistakable: A neighbor is not defined by geography, ethnicity, religion, or social category. A neighbor is anyone in need.

Love Without Boundaries

When Jesus asked the lawyer which man proved to be a neighbor, the answer was simple: “The one who showed mercy.”

• Mercy—not proximity.
• Compassion—not category.
• Action—not affiliation.

This is why Jesus said earlier in the conversation: “You shall love the Lord your God… and your neighbor as yourself.” (Luke 10:27)

• To love God is to love people.
• To love people is to cross boundaries.
• To cross boundaries is to reflect the heart of Christ.

The Call for Today. The parable invites us to examine our own hearts:

• Who have we walked past • Who have we avoided • Who have we judged unworthy of our time, attention, or compassion

Jesus ends the story with a command, not a suggestion: “Go and do likewise.”

• Be the one who stops.
• Be the one who sees.
• Be the one who shows mercy.
• Be good to your neighbor.

Because in God’s kingdom, your neighbor is anyone in need—and love is always the right response.

Be a good neighbor.

Shared by:

Adventist International Ministries

(Constancio C Ada, MD, President & CEO)