Luke 10:36 - Printer Friendly

ESV: Which of these three, do you think, proved to be a neighbor to the man who fell among the robbers?"

NIV: "Which of these three do you think was a neighbor to the man who fell into the hands of robbers?"

NASB: Which of these three do you think proved to be a neighbor to the man who fell into the robbers’ hands?'

CSB: "Which of these three do you think proved to be a neighbor to the man who fell into the hands of the robbers?"

NLT: Now which of these three would you say was a neighbor to the man who was attacked by bandits?' Jesus asked.

KJV: Which now of these three, thinkest thou, was neighbour unto him that fell among the thieves?

NKJV: So which of these three do you think was neighbor to him who fell among the thieves?”

A lawyer has asked Jesus how he can inherit eternal life from God. Perhaps he is thinking of Daniel 12:2 which describes the fate of Jews at the last judgment: "And many of those who sleep in the dust of the earth shall awake, some to everlasting life, and some to shame and everlasting contempt." The lawyer knows what the answer is, but he wants to know what Jesus thinks. Jesus expertly turns the question around and asks the lawyer what the written Mosaic law says—not the extra-biblical Oral Law or the countless rabbinical arguments. The lawyer responds that the greatest commandment, requiring love for God and one's neighbor, covers the entirety of the Mosaic law. After Jesus affirms his answer, the lawyer asks, "And who is my neighbor?" (Luke 10:25–29).

Jesus replies with the parable of the good Samaritan. A man is beaten, robbed, and left for dead. Two religious leaders—a priest and a Levite—walk past. For whatever reasons, they choose to do nothing in response to the man's dire need. A Samaritan, culturally hated and a social enemy of the Jews, goes to great pains to rescue the man and ensure he recovers. He, rather than the exemplars of Judaism, follows the law of Moses.

The illustration must have cut the lawyer. He is a type of religious leader; he is a scholar specializing in Mosaic law. He does not have the reputation of a priest or Levite, however. He must know that Jesus is speaking the truth; if he were the victim of a brutal robbery and assault, priests and Levites would pass him by rather than risk becoming unclean and jeopardizing their duties.

Jesus may as well ask, "If you were this man, who would be a neighbor to you?" The lawyer knows it is the man who acted out of the love in his heart, not the men who knew the Law but did not live it out. Jesus' wording is also poignant. The Samaritan didn't try to define who was his neighbor, and he didn't care about the nationality, ethnicity, color, status, or cleanness of the victim. He was the neighbor and that's what counted.

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.