Luke 10:35 - Printer Friendly

ESV: And the next day he took out two denarii and gave them to the innkeeper, saying, ‘Take care of him, and whatever more you spend, I will repay you when I come back.’

NIV: The next day he took out two denarii and gave them to the innkeeper. 'Look after him,' he said, 'and when I return, I will reimburse you for any extra expense you may have.'

NASB: On the next day he took out two denarii and gave them to the innkeeper and said, ‘Take care of him; and whatever more you spend, when I return, I will repay you.’

CSB: The next day he took out two denarii, gave them to the innkeeper, and said, 'Take care of him. When I come back I'll reimburse you for whatever extra you spend.'

NLT: The next day he handed the innkeeper two silver coins, telling him, ‘Take care of this man. If his bill runs higher than this, I’ll pay you the next time I’m here.’

KJV: And on the morrow when he departed, he took out two pence, and gave them to the host, and said unto him, Take care of him; and whatsoever thou spendest more, when I come again, I will repay thee.

NKJV: On the next day, when he departed, he took out two denarii, gave them to the innkeeper, and said to him, ‘Take care of him; and whatever more you spend, when I come again, I will repay you.’

Jesus continues His story, explaining the kind of love that God expects from His followers. It's not a theoretical love that identifies a need but maintains distance in service of some "more important" task. Nor is it a love that remains within cultural boundaries and will not extend to a hated enemy. It is a compassionate love that sees someone in need and sacrifices to ease their hardship.

Two denarii was two day's wages in that era. At a simple inn, this was probably enough for more than three weeks of room and board. It is certainly enough for the innkeeper to check up on the victim and dress his wounds. The Samaritan is emphatic that he will cover the expenses; the victim is not obligated to anything.

Some scholars attempt to allegorize the story, saying the Samaritan is Jesus, the victim is us, the inn is the church, and the oil and wine are the sacraments. While some of Jesus' parables have layered meaning, they are not meant to be so obscure nor so convoluted. Jesus' parables are generally intended to make one main point. Extravagant interpretations are not needed and can easily introduce error. The story is more reminiscent of Jesus' explanation that those who feed the hungry, clothe the naked, and visit the sick and imprisoned are credited with showing the same type of love to Jesus (Matthew 25:35–40).

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.