Luk 10:30-37 | PNT | STEP | A certain [man] . A Jew of Jerusalem. Went down . It was a constant descent from Jerusalem to Jericho, over 3,000 feet in eighteen miles. Fell among robbers . The road is a dark, desolate, mountain pass, dangerous then, so beset by robbers still that no traveler dares go through it without a guard. Whuch stripped him . Not only of raiment, but of all he had; then left him, stunned, bleeding, unconscious, nearly dead.

‏ Luke 10:30-37

A certain [man]. A Jew of Jerusalem.

Went down. It was a constant descent from Jerusalem to Jericho, over 3,000 feet in eighteen miles.

Fell among robbers. The road is a dark, desolate, mountain pass, dangerous then, so beset by robbers still that no traveler dares go through it without a guard.

Whuch stripped him. Not only of raiment, but of all he had; then left him, stunned, bleeding, unconscious, nearly dead. A certain priest. Jericho was a city of priests. A priest ought to be a holy man. The law commanded mercy and help to a neighbor (Ex 23:4-5 De 22:1-4). The priest and Levite both disregarded the law in passing the poor sufferer. Likewise a Levite. A temple minister. He probably excused himself by the example of his priest. A certain Samaritan. The hereditary enemy of the Jews; despised and hated by the latter. "The Jews and Samaritans have no dealings" (Joh 4:9). If any man had excuse for passing the wounded Jew by it was the Samaritan. But, unlike the priest and Levite, he had compassion. His compassion leads to action, to self-denial, and inconvenience. He dresses the man's wounds, sets him on his own beast, carries him to the inn, and when he left, left money for his care. For ancient inns, see PNT Lu 2:7. Two pence was two days' wages, and there was promise of more. Which of these three . . . was neighbour? The stranger became the neighbor. So we are to be neighbors to all who need help. Christian love must know no narrow bounds of race or sect. Genuine philanthropy is a Christian spirit.