Luke 10:30 - Printer Friendly

ESV: Jesus replied, “A man was going down from Jerusalem to Jericho, and he fell among robbers, who stripped him and beat him and departed, leaving him half dead.

NIV: In reply Jesus said: 'A man was going down from Jerusalem to Jericho, when he was attacked by robbers. They stripped him of his clothes, beat him and went away, leaving him half dead.

NASB: Jesus replied and said, 'A man was going down from Jerusalem to Jericho, and he encountered robbers, and they stripped him and beat him, and went away leaving him half dead.

CSB: Jesus took up the question and said, "A man was going down from Jerusalem to Jericho and fell into the hands of robbers. They stripped him, beat him up, and fled, leaving him half dead.

NLT: Jesus replied with a story: 'A Jewish man was traveling from Jerusalem down to Jericho, and he was attacked by bandits. They stripped him of his clothes, beat him up, and left him half dead beside the road.

KJV: And Jesus answering said, A certain man went down from Jerusalem to Jericho, and fell among thieves, which stripped him of his raiment, and wounded him, and departed, leaving him half dead.

NKJV: Then Jesus answered and said: “A certain man went down from Jerusalem to Jericho, and fell among thieves, who stripped him of his clothing, wounded him, and departed, leaving him half dead.

As an expert in the law, the lawyer to whom Jesus is speaking knows that loving God and loving one's neighbor is the heart of the Mosaic law. But he wants specifics. Who is his neighbor (Luke 10:25–29)? Jesus tells a story that turns the question around. An unidentified man is assaulted and left for dead. Two religious leaders—a priest and a Levite—devout and educated in the Mosaic law, ignore the man. A Samaritan, however, goes out of his way to rescue him and pays for his recovery (Luke 10:31–35¬¬).

The lawyer is an expert in the written law which God gave Moses. He also knows much about the Oral Law, which scribes added later in an attempt to protect God's law. Jesus teaches this scholar that the Law doesn't cause someone to love one's neighbor. Nor does it define one's neighbor. The Law merely provides examples of how to act; love reveals that a neighbor can be anyone.

The road from Jerusalem to Jericho can be dangerous, especially for a single traveler. It is long with a large drop in elevation, rocky and lined with caves in which robbers can hide and ambush victims. The term "robber" can mean bandit, but it can also refer to an insurrectionist or guerrilla. Either would be willing to harm someone for their money. A modern parallel might be to speak of someone walking through a dark city alley in the middle of the night.

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.