Luke 10:32 - Printer Friendly

ESV: So likewise a Levite, when he came to the place and saw him, passed by on the other side.

NIV: So too, a Levite, when he came to the place and saw him, passed by on the other side.

NASB: Likewise a Levite also, when he came to the place and saw him, passed by on the other side.

CSB: In the same way, a Levite, when he arrived at the place and saw him, passed by on the other side.

NLT: A Temple assistant walked over and looked at him lying there, but he also passed by on the other side.

KJV: And likewise a Levite, when he was at the place, came and looked on him, and passed by on the other side.

NKJV: Likewise a Levite, when he arrived at the place, came and looked, and passed by on the other side.

Jesus has maneuvered a lawyer into admitting his basic spiritual obligations. Those are to love God and love his neighbor; a person who properly exhibits those demonstrates saving faith and will gain eternal life (Luke 10:25–28). Yet the lawyer wants to know more specifically who he must love (Luke 10:29). Jesus presents a hypothetical situation in which a man is beaten, robbed, and left on the side of the road. Two religious leaders—a priest and a Levite—come across him. The lawyer is an expert in the Law, but priests and Levites are commissioned by God to teach the people how to follow the Law. The lawyer should be able to emulate their behavior. Their examples, however, do not reflect any love for this man (Luke 10:30–31). Despite seeing the man, they choose not to understand (Matthew 13:15–16). They exemplify the "shepherds of Israel" who abuse God's sheep instead of caring for them (Ezekiel 34:1–3).

Levites are from the tribe of Levi, but not descended from Aaron, so they aren't priests (Exodus 30:30). They handle the manual labor for the priests and maintain the temple (Numbers 1:47–54). Unlike priests, the Mosaic law does not impose any extra cleanliness regulations on Levites. They can touch and bury a dead body with the same rituals as any other Israelite. The Levite is a type of religious leader, but without the burden of exceptional cleanness he should be more willing to help the injured man.

This second example tells the lawyer what he already knows. The Mosaic law says to love one's neighbor, but cultural Judaism—of which he is a part—would not likely act on behalf of the half-dead man. The Levite walks on for the same reason the priest did: he has no mercy (Luke 10:37).

At this point, the lawyer may feel relief. If a priest and a Levite won't help such a man, perhaps he doesn't have to, either. But Jesus is not finished. When a Samaritan happens by (Luke 10:33), he doesn't hesitate. He shows love immediately and thoroughly. Not only should the lawyer have the heart of the Samaritan, he should realize that if he were the victim, he wouldn't care who his rescuer is as long as someone showed him mercy.

Luke 10:29–37 contains the famous parable of the good Samaritan. A lawyer asked Jesus about salvation; Jesus asks the lawyer how he reads the Law. They agree that the core of the Mosaic law is to love God and love one's neighbor. Seeking a loophole, the lawyer asks who he must consider a "neighbor." In response, Jesus tells the story in this passage. The implication is that a "neighbor" is anyone in need. Luke is the only author to include this parable.

Jesus commissions seventy-two of His followers for a unique mission. They are sent into towns and villages, preparing people for Jesus' ministry. Those who accept the message will be blessed; those who reject it will be left behind. The disciples return celebrating what they have seen and accomplished. Jesus reminds them that salvation is the real victory. The parable of the good Samaritan explains that the obligation to love extends to anyone and everyone. A visit to the home of Martha and Mary offers a contrast between good things and the best things.

Luke 10 provides the bulk of the first section of what some refer to as Jesus' travelogue (Luke 9:51—19:27). In this extended description of travels and events, Jesus draws away from public ministry and theological debates. His focus is preparing His disciples for what will happen in Jerusalem, by teaching them about the kingdom of God. In Luke 9:51—11:13, the disciples gradually learn how to properly follow Jesus. Next, the Pharisees will reject Jesus (Luke 11:14–54) and Jesus will teach more about the kingdom (Luke 12:1—19:27). After the travelogue, Jesus will enter Jerusalem and face crucifixion.

Luke was a traveling companion of Paul (Acts 16:10) and a physician (Colossians 4:14). Unlike Matthew, Mark, and John, Luke writes his gospel as an historian, rather than as a first-hand eyewitness. His extensive writings also include the book of Acts (Acts 1:1–3). These are deliberately organized, carefully researched accounts of those events. The gospel of Luke focuses on the earthly ministry of Jesus Christ. Luke's Gentile perspective presents Christ as a Savior for all people, offering both forgiveness and direction to those who follow Him.