EDUC 746 Biblical Critique The Good Samaritan_Pociask
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BIBLICAL CRITIQUE: THE GOOD SAMARITAN
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Biblical Critique: The Good Samaritan
Michael Pociask
School of Education, Liberty University
Author Note
Michael Pociask
I have no known conflict of interest to disclose. Correspondence concerning this article should be addressed to
Michael Pociask
Email: mapociask@liberty@edu
BIBLICAL CRITIQUE: THE GOOD SAMARITAN
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Biblical Critique: The Good Samaritan
The Good Samaritan is a parable found in the Gospel of Luke, specifically in Luke 10:25-
37. In this passage, a legal expert tests Jesus by asking, "Who is my neighbor?" In response, Jesus shares the story of the Good Samaritan. The narrative revolves around a man who, after being attacked by robbers, is left wounded on the side of the road. Despite being ignored by a priest and a Levite, individuals of religious standing, a Samaritan, traditionally viewed as a social
outcast, stops to help the injured man. This parable serves a dual purpose: illustrating the compassionate and selfless nature of true neighborly love, transcending societal boundaries, and emphasizing the moral imperative for individuals to show kindness and aid those in need. In the context of conflict resolution, the Good Samaritan's actions exemplify the transformative power of empathy and compassion in fostering reconciliation and healing divisions.
Read
Fact
Verses
1.
Introduction to the Expert in the Law:
A legal expert tests Jesus by asking about inheriting eternal life.
Luke 10:25
2.
Jesus' Response with a Question
: Jesus turns the question back to the expert, asking what is written in the law.
Luke 10:26
3.
The Expert's Answer:
The expert cites the command to love God with all one's heart, soul, strength, and mind, and to love one's neighbor as oneself.
Luke 10:27
4.
Jesus' Confirmation:
Jesus approves the answer, instructing the expert to do this, and he will live.
Luke 10:28
5.
The Expert's Seeking Clarification:
The expert seeks to justify himself and asks, "Who is my neighbor?"
Luke 10:29
6.
The Parable Begins:
Jesus responds with the parable of the Good Samaritan.
Luke 10:30
7.
Robbery and Assault:
A man is robbed, beaten, and left half-dead on the road from Jerusalem to Jericho.
Luke 10:30
8.
Priest's Reaction:
A priest sees the wounded man but passes by on the other side.
Luke 10:31
9.
Levite's Reaction:
Similarly, a Levite comes, looks at the man, and passes by without helping.
Luke 10:32
10.
The Compassionate Samaritan:
A Samaritan, traditionally despised by Jews, sees the man, has compassion, and tends to his Luke 10:33
BIBLICAL CRITIQUE: THE GOOD SAMARITAN
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wounds.
11.
Providing Immediate Aid:
The Samaritan pours oil and wine on the man's wounds, bandages them, places him on his own donkey, and takes him to an inn.
Luke 10:34
12.
Extended Care:
The Samaritan pays the innkeeper, asking him to take care of the man, and promises to return and cover any additional expenses.
Luke 10:35
13.
Jesus' Question to the Expert:
Jesus asks the expert which of the three (priest, Levite, Samaritan) proved to be a neighbor to the robbed man.
Luke 10:36
14.
The Expert's Answer:
The expert acknowledges that the one who showed mercy is the neighbor, and Jesus instructs him to go and do likewise.
Luke 10:37
15.
Jesus' Moral Teaching:
Jesus concludes the story with the lesson of showing mercy and acting as a compassionate neighbor.
Luke 10:37
Reflect
What do you see in the passage that relates to God’s character, man’s character, or Jesus?
Verses
God’s character
God's character is revealed in the commandment to love Him with all one's heart, soul, strength, and mind, emphasizing a holistic and devoted relationship.
Luke 10:27
The compassion and immediate response of the Samaritan illustrate God's merciful and caring nature, demonstrating that love knows no boundaries or prejudices.
Luke 10:33
The Samaritan's provision of long-term care and generosity echoes God's enduring love and the abundant
blessings He bestows upon His creation.
Luke 10:35
Man’s character
The expert's attempt to justify himself mirrors the human inclination to seek self-justification before God, revealing the limitations of a self-righteous attitude.
Luke 10:29
The actions of the priest and Levite, passing by without aiding the wounded man, highlight human tendencies to prioritize religious duties over compassionate action.
Luke 10:31-32
The vulnerability of the wounded man underscores the shared human experience of suffering and the need for compassion from others.
Luke 10:33
The expert's acknowledgment of the merciful Samaritan reflects the human capacity to recognize and appreciate acts of mercy, aligning with the divine principle of recognizing God's mercy.
Luke 10:37
Jesus
The Samaritan's actions of binding wounds and providing care parallel Jesus' role as the ultimate healer Luke 10:34
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and caregiver, emphasizing His compassionate nature.
The Samaritan's sacrificial act of carrying the wounded man on his own animal mirrors Jesus' sacrificial journey
on the donkey into Jerusalem, hinting at the ultimate sacrifice on the cross.
Luke 10:34
The Samaritan's commitment to return and repay reflects Jesus' promise of a future return and the fulfillment of His redemptive work.
Luke 10:35
Jesus explicitly connects the Samaritan's merciful actions to the imperative for followers to emulate such compassion, reinforcing His teachings on love, mercy, and neighborly care.
Luke 10:37
Respond
In the parable of the Good Samaritan from Luke 10”25-37, the Samaritan, despite belonging to a historically despised group, honors God through his compassionate and selfless actions. The Samaritan demonstrates mercy and empathy by aiding a wounded man left on the roadside, showcasing a commitment to the well-being of others. His unconditional assistance transcends cultural and social boundaries, exemplifying a love for neighbors that aligns with the teachings of Jesus. Additionally, Jesus' interaction with the expert in the law honors God by highlighting the foundational principle of love. In challenging the expert's understanding, Jesus emphasizes the need to go beyond legalistic interpretations and embrace a genuine, sacrificial love for one's neighbor. Both the Good Samaritan's actions and Jesus' teaching underscore the significance of compassionate care and selfless love as ways to honor God in our interactions with others. The story of the Good Samaritan imparts timeless lessons with profound relevance to the modern world. It emphasizes the importance of compassion, transcending societal prejudices, and extending a helping hand to those in need, regardless of their background. In today's diverse and interconnected world, the parable calls for breaking down barriers, fostering understanding,
BIBLICAL CRITIQUE: THE GOOD SAMARITAN
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and promoting unity among people of different cultures, ethnicities, and beliefs. The narrative underscores the significance of practical actions over mere words, encouraging individuals to actively engage in conflict resolution, social justice, and humanitarian efforts (Barsky, 2017). The call to prioritize empathy, unconditional aid, and long-term relationship building remains a poignant guide for navigating the complexities of the contemporary global landscape, promoting a vision of a compassionate and inclusive society. As an assistant principal at a juvenile detention center, the story of the Good Samaritan holds profound implications for fostering relationships with incarcerated students. The parable underscores the importance of compassion and empathy, encouraging a perspective that goes beyond societal judgments or preconceived notions. In the challenging educational environment of a juvenile detention center, it calls for breaking down barriers between authority figures and students, much like the Samaritan challenging historical animosities (Javdani, 2019). Taking the initiative to actively address the conflicts and challenges faced by incarcerated young men becomes crucial, emphasizing practical help and tangible solutions. The story advocates for unconditional aid, recognizing the inherent dignity and humanity of each student. By promoting a culture of understanding, actively engaging in conflict resolution, and providing ongoing support, the assistant principal can strive to build long-term relationships that contribute to the rehabilitation and well-being of the students, aligning with the principles embodied in the Good Samaritan narrative (Javdani, 2019).
Conclusion
The parable of the Good Samaritan encapsulates timeless lessons that transcend historical
and cultural contexts. As a narrative rooted in compassion, selflessness, and breaking down societal barriers, it remains a beacon of moral guidance for individuals navigating the
BIBLICAL CRITIQUE: THE GOOD SAMARITAN
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complexities of the modern world. The story's call for genuine empathy, practical actions, and long-term relationship building resonates in the pursuit of social justice, conflict resolution, and humanitarian efforts. Its relevance extends to diverse settings, including the educational landscape of a juvenile detention center. For an assistant principal in such an environment, the Good Samaritan's principles become a guiding philosophy, emphasizing the importance of compassion, empathy, and the proactive resolution of conflicts. By recognizing the inherent dignity of each student and providing unconditional aid, the assistant principal can contribute to the rehabilitation and well-being of the incarcerated students, fostering a culture of understanding and support that mirrors the transformative power of the Good Samaritan's actions
(Barsky, 2017).
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References
Barsky A.E. (2017). Conflict resolution for the helping professions : Negotiation, mediation, advocacy, facilitation, and restorative justice
. Oxford University Press.
Javdani, S. (2019). Critical issues for youth involved in the juvenile justice system: Innovations in prevention, intervention, and policy. Journal of Prevention & Intervention in the Community
, 47
(2), 67–75. https://doi.org/10.1080/10852352.2019.1575564
New International Version (NIV) - Version Information - BibleGateway.com
. (2015). Biblegateway.com; BibleGateway. https://www.biblegateway.com/versions/New-
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