But [the lawyer] wanted to vindicate himself. So he said to Jesus, "And who is my neighbor?"
Jesus replied, "A man was on his way from Jerusalem down to Jericho when he fell in with robbers who stripped him, beat him, and went off leaving him half dead.
"It so happened that a priest was going by on the same road; but when he saw him, he went by on the other side. So, too, a Levite came to the place, and when he saw him, went past on the other side.
"But a Samaritan who was making the journey came upon him, and when he saw him, was moved to pity. He went up and bandaged his wounds, bathing them with oil and wine. Then he lifted him on his own beast, brought him to an inn, and looked after him there. Next day, he produced two silver pieces and gave them to the innkeeper, and said, 'Look after him; and if you spend any more, I will repay you on my way back.'
"Which of those three do you think was neighbor to the man who fell into the hands of the robbers?"
He answered, "The one who showed him kindness."
Jesus said, "Go and do as he did."
2 comments:
What I have always taken from this passage is:
When you see someone in dire need, you shouldn't burden yourself with thoughts about who or what they represent, but only what is needed there and then. You know?
Well, we have it from Raymond Smullyan that God is an utilitarian.
So anything that helps, yes!
On another hand, "People don't live by bread alone." Sometimes they need a sandwich, sometimes ( worship at 'Occupy' ) they need their vibes damped...
and sometimes an idea. What they mean by "God" may not align with "What Really Is" and that can make things more difficult than need be. (Welcome to the study!)
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