(a) Relate the parable of the Good Samaritan [9 marks] (b) State three ways the parable illustrates concern for one another [6 marks]

Answer Details

(a) The parable of the Good Samaritan (Luke 10:25-37)

• A lawyer, seeking to test Jesus, asked what he must do to inherit eternal life; Jesus led him to the command to love God and to love one's neighbour as oneself.
• Wishing to justify himself, the lawyer asked, "And who is my neighbour?" and Jesus answered with a parable.
• A certain man was going down from Jerusalem to Jericho when he fell among robbers, who stripped him, beat him, and departed, leaving him half dead.
• By chance a priest came down that road; when he saw the man, he passed by on the other side.
• Likewise a Levite came to the place, looked at him, and also passed by on the other side.
• But a Samaritan, as he journeyed, came to where the man was; and when he saw him, he had compassion.
• He went to him, bound up his wounds, pouring on oil and wine, set him on his own beast, brought him to an inn, and took care of him.
• The next day he gave the innkeeper two denarii, asking him to take care of the man and promising to repay any extra on his return.
• Jesus then asked which of the three proved neighbour to the victim; the lawyer said, "The one who showed mercy," and Jesus said, "Go and do likewise."

(b) Three ways the parable illustrates concern for one another

• It teaches practical compassion: the Samaritan did not merely feel pity but acted, tending the wounds and meeting the man's real needs.
• It teaches love that crosses all barriers: the Samaritan helped a Jew, a member of a hostile group, showing that true neighbourliness ignores tribe, race and religion.
• It teaches sacrificial and selfless giving: he spent his own time, resources and money, and pledged more, putting the stranger's welfare above his own convenience.