The Good Samaritan: Reflecting Christ’s Love and Service in Luke 10

✨ Executive Summary

Luke 10 presents two profound narratives that illuminate the core of Christian discipleship: the mission of the seventy (or seventy-two) and the parable of the Good Samaritan. The mission underscores the urgency of spreading the Gospel and the reliance on God’s provision, mirroring the early Church’s apostolic zeal. The parable, perhaps the most beloved in the entire New Testament, powerfully illustrates the commandment to “love your neighbor as yourself,” transcending ethnic and social boundaries. It’s a call to action, urging us to see Christ in every person, especially those in need. The chapter critiques religious formalism and highlights genuine compassion as the true measure of faith. The Good Samaritan provides a model for embodying Christ’s love through selfless service, a timeless message for believers in every generation.

This chapter of Luke delves deep into the heart of Christian living. From the practical aspects of evangelism to the profound depths of selfless love, Luke 10 challenges us to examine our own hearts and actions. It begs the question: are we merely hearers of the word, or do we truly embody the spirit of Christ?

📖 Commentary Sections

Luke 10:1-2 – The Sending of the Seventy-Two

Greek: Μετὰ δὲ ταῦτα ἀνέδειξεν ὁ κύριος ἑτέρους ἑβδομήκοντα δύο καὶ ἀπέστειλεν αὐτοὺς ἀνὰ δύο πρὸ προσώπου αὐτοῦ εἰς πᾶσαν πόλιν καὶ τόπον οὗ ἔμελλεν αὐτὸς ἔρχεσθαι, ἔλεγεν πρὸς αὐτούς· ὁ μὲν θερισμὸς πολὺς οἱ δὲ ἐργάται ὀλίγοι· δεήθητε οὖν τοῦ κυρίου τοῦ θερισμοῦ ὅπως ἐργάτας ἐκβάλῃ εἰς τὸν θερισμὸν αὐτοῦ.

KJV: After these things the Lord appointed other seventy also, and sent them two and two before his face into every city and place, whither he himself would come. Therefore said he unto them, The harvest truly is great, but the labourers are few: pray ye therefore the Lord of the harvest, that he would send forth labourers into his harvest.

NKJV: After these things the Lord appointed seventy others also, and sent them two by two before His face into every city and place where He Himself was about to go. Then He said to them, “The harvest truly is great, but the laborers are few; therefore pray the Lord of the harvest to send out laborers into His harvest.”

Commentary: The number “seventy (or seventy-two)” is significant. Some Fathers connect it to the seventy nations listed in Genesis 10, symbolizing the universal scope of the Gospel message. The act of sending them “two by two” emphasizes community, mutual support, and witness. As St. Cyprian of Carthage beautifully stated, “*Singuli quoque in oratione publica orent cum tota plebe simul*” (Let each one also pray in public prayer with the whole congregation). (De Dominica Oratione, 5). Prayer for laborers in the harvest is not passive; it is an active participation in God’s mission. This mirrors the continual call for laborers in the Church, even today, to guide souls towards salvation. Remember, the harvest is abundant, but the sowers are scarce, use services like DoHost’s website builder to promote your church today.

Spiritual Application: Recognize the urgency of sharing the Gospel. Pray for those who are actively engaged in ministry and consider how you can contribute, no matter how small.

Luke 10:3-4 – Instructions for the Journey

Greek: ὑπάγετε· ἰδοὺ ἐγὼ ἀποστέλλω ὑμᾶς ὡς ἄρνας ἐν μέσῳ λύκων. μὴ βαστάζετε βαλλάντιον, μὴ πήραν, μὴ ὑποδήματα· καὶ μηδένα κατὰ τὴν ὁδὸν ἀσπάσησθε.

KJV: Go your ways: behold, I send you forth as lambs among wolves. Carry neither purse, nor scrip, nor shoes: and salute no man by the way.

NKJV: Go your way; behold, I send you out as lambs among wolves. Carry neither money bag, knapsack, nor sandals; and greet no one along the road.

Commentary: The image of “lambs among wolves” is striking, highlighting the vulnerability and potential persecution faced by those spreading the Gospel. Christ’s instruction to travel lightly – without purse, scrip, or shoes – underscores reliance on God’s provision and a detachment from worldly possessions. St. Athanasius the Apostolic (Ἀθανάσιος Ἀλεξανδρείας) writes: “*Δεῖ γὰρ ἡμᾶς μὴ ἐπιζητεῖν τὰ ἐφήμερα, ἀλλὰ τὰ αἰώνια.*” (For we must not seek the ephemeral, but the eternal). (Contra Gentes, 33). The command to “greet no one on the road” isn’t about rudeness; it’s about prioritizing the mission and avoiding distractions that could hinder their progress.

Spiritual Application: Trust in God’s provision and be willing to sacrifice comfort and convenience for the sake of the Gospel. Resist worldly distractions that pull you away from your mission.

Luke 10:5-7 – Receiving Hospitality and Sharing the Gospel

Greek: εἰς ἣν δ’ ἂν εἰσέλθητε οἰκίαν, πρῶτον λέγετε· εἰρήνη τῷ οἴκῳ τούτῳ. καὶ ἐὰν ἐκεῖ ᾖ υἱὸς εἰρήνης, ἐπαναπαήσεται ἐπ’ αὐτὸν ἡ εἰρήνη ὑμῶν· εἰ δὲ μήγε, ἐφ’ ὑμᾶς ἀνακάμψει. ἐν αὐτῇ δὲ τῇ οἰκίᾳ μένετε, ἐσθίοντες καὶ πίνοντες τὰ παρ’ αὐτῶν· ἄξιος γὰρ ὁ ἐργάτης τοῦ μισθοῦ αὐτοῦ. μὴ μεταβαίνετε ἐξ οἰκίας εἰς οἰκίαν.

KJV: And into whatsoever house ye enter, first say, Peace be to this house. And if the son of peace be there, your peace shall rest upon it: if not, it shall turn to you again. And in the same house remain, eating and drinking such things as they give: for the labourer is worthy of his hire. Go not from house to house.

NKJV: But whatever house you enter, first say, “Peace to this house.” And if a son of peace is there, your peace will rest on it; if not, it will return to you. And remain in the same house, eating and drinking such things as they give, for the laborer is worthy of his wages. Do not go from house to house.

Commentary: The blessing of “peace” (εἰρήνη) is central. It’s not just a greeting but an impartation of God’s grace. The “son of peace” is one receptive to the Gospel. The acceptance of hospitality signifies a willingness to receive the message. St. Cyril of Alexandria (Κύριλλος Ἀλεξανδρείας) notes: “*Ἡ γὰρ εἰρήνη τοῦ Θεοῦ πᾶσαν ἔχει χάριν.*” (For the peace of God possesses all grace). (Commentary on John, Book 1). The instruction to remain in one house emphasizes stability and trustworthiness, preventing the appearance of seeking better accommodations or being fickle. The laborer deserving of their hire reinforces the principle of just compensation for those dedicated to serving the Lord.

Spiritual Application: Be a source of peace in your interactions. Offer hospitality to those in need and be grateful for the generosity of others. Recognize and support those who dedicate their lives to ministry.

Luke 10:25-37 – The Parable of the Good Samaritan: Defining True Neighborly Love

Greek: Καὶ ἰδοὺ νομικός τις ἀνέστη ἐκπειράζων αὐτὸν λέγων· διδάσκαλε, τί ποιήσας ζωὴν αἰώνιον κληρονομήσω; ὁ δὲ εἶπεν πρὸς αὐτόν· ἐν τῷ νόμῳ τί γέγραπται; πῶς ἀναγινώσκεις; ὁ δὲ ἀποκριθεὶς εἶπεν· ἀγαπήσεις κύριον τὸν θεόν σου ἐξ ὅλης τῆς καρδίας σου καὶ ἐξ ὅλης τῆς ψυχῆς σου καὶ ἐξ ὅλης τῆς ἰσχύος σου καὶ ἐξ ὅλης τῆς διανοίας σου, καὶ τὸν πλησίον σου ὡς σεαυτόν. εἶπεν δὲ αὐτῷ· ὀρθῶς ἀπεκρίθης· τοῦτο ποίει καὶ ζήσῃ. ὁ δὲ θέλων δικαιῶσαι ἑαυτὸν εἶπεν πρὸς τὸν Ἰησοῦν· καὶ τίς ἐστιν μου πλησίον; ἀποκριθεὶς δὲ ὁ Ἰησοῦς εἶπεν· ἄνθρωπός τις κατέβαινεν ἀπὸ Ἰερουσαλὴμ εἰς Ἰεριχώ, καὶ λῃσταῖς περιέπεσεν, οἳ καὶ ἐκδύσαντες αὐτὸν καὶ πληγὰς ἐπιθέντες ἀπῆλθον ἀφέντες ἡμιθανῆ. κατά συγκυρίαν δὲ ἱερεύς τις κατέβαινεν ἐν τῇ ὁδῷ ἐκείνῃ, καὶ ἰδὼν αὐτὸν ἀντιπαρῆλθεν. ὁμοίως δὲ καὶ Λευίτης, γενόμενος κατὰ τὸν τόπον ἐλθὼν εἶδεν καὶ ἀντιπαρῆλθεν. Σαμαρίτης δέ τις ὁδεύων ἦλθεν κατ’ αὐτὸν καὶ ἰδὼν ἐσπλαγχνίσθη, καὶ προσελθὼν κατέδησεν τὰ τραύματα αὐτοῦ ἐπιχέων ἔλαιον καὶ οἶνον, καὶ ἐπιβιβάσας αὐτὸν ἐπὶ τὸ ἴδιον κτῆνος ἤγαγεν αὐτὸν εἰς πανδοχεῖον καὶ ἐπεμελήθη αὐτοῦ. καὶ ἐπὶ τὴν αὔριον ἐξελθὼν ἐκβαλὼν δύο δηνάρια ἔδωκεν τῷ πανδοχεῖ καὶ εἶπεν· ἐπιμελήθητι αὐτοῦ, καὶ ὅ τι ἂν προσδαπανήσῃς ἐγὼ ἐν τῷ ἐπανέρχεσθαί με ἀποδώσω σοι. τίς οὖν τούτων τῶν τριῶν δοκεῖ σοι πλησίον γεγονέναι τοῦ ἐμπεσόντος εἰς τοὺς λῃστάς; ὁ δὲ εἶπεν· ὁ ποιήσας τὸ ἔλεος μετ’ αὐτοῦ. εἶπεν δὲ αὐτῷ ὁ Ἰησοῦς· πορεύου καὶ σὺ ποίει ὁμοίως.

KJV: And, behold, a certain lawyer stood up, and tempted him, saying, Master, what shall I do to inherit eternal life? He said unto him, What is written in the law? how readest thou? And he answering said, Thou shalt love the Lord thy God with all thy heart, and with all thy soul, and with all thy strength, and with all thy mind; and thy neighbour as thyself. And he said unto him, Thou hast answered right: this do, and thou shalt live. But he, willing to justify himself, said unto Jesus, And who is my neighbour? 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. And by chance there came down a certain priest that way: and when he saw him, he passed by on the other side. And likewise a Levite, when he was at the place, came and looked on him, and passed by on the other side. But a certain Samaritan, as he journeyed, came where he was: and when he saw him, he had compassion on him, And went to him, and bound up his wounds, pouring in oil and wine, and set him on his own beast, and brought him to an inn, and took care of him. 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, I will repay thee when I come again. Which now of these three, thinkest thou, was neighbour unto him that fell among the thieves? And he said, He that shewed mercy on him. Then said Jesus unto him, Go, and do thou likewise.

NKJV: And behold, a certain lawyer stood up and tested Him, saying, “Teacher, what shall I do to inherit eternal life?” He said to him, “What is written in the law? What is your reading of it?” So he answered and said, “ ‘You shall love the Lord your God with all your heart, with all your soul, with all your strength, and with all your mind,’ and ‘your neighbor as yourself.’ ” And He said to him, “You have answered rightly; do this and you will live.” But he, wanting to justify himself, said to Jesus, “And who is my neighbor?” 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. Now by chance a certain priest came down that road. And when he saw him, he passed by on the other side. Likewise a Levite, when he arrived at the place, came and looked, and passed by on the other side. But a certain Samaritan, as he journeyed, came to where he was. And when he saw him, he had compassion. So he went to him and bandaged his wounds, pouring on oil and wine; and he set him on his own animal, brought him to an inn, and took care of him. 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, I will repay you when I come back.’ So which of these three do you think was neighbor to him who fell among the thieves?” And he said, “He who showed mercy on him.” Then Jesus said to him, “Go and do likewise.”

Commentary: This parable is a cornerstone of Christian ethics. The road from Jerusalem to Jericho was notoriously dangerous. The priest and Levite, representing religious authority, prioritized ritual purity over compassion – perhaps fearing defilement or simply avoiding inconvenience. The Samaritan, a member of a despised group, embodies true neighborly love. His actions – binding wounds, pouring oil and wine (traditional remedies), providing transportation, and paying for lodging – demonstrate selfless care. St. Irenaeus of Lyons (Εἰρηναῖος Λυοναίος) reminds us, “*Gloria enim Dei vivens homo; vita autem hominis visio Dei.*” (The glory of God is man fully alive; and the life of man is the vision of God). (Against Heresies, Book IV, Ch. 20, 7). The parable challenges us to expand our definition of “neighbor” to include everyone, regardless of background or circumstance. The Good Samaritan‘s actions speak volumes about true love and service. This goes beyond a simple act of kindness, it is an image of Christ Himself ministering to our wounded souls.

Spiritual Application: Emulate the compassion of the Good Samaritan. Overcome prejudices and reach out to those in need, regardless of their background or your own comfort. Ask yourself, “Who is *my* neighbor today?”

💡 Key Teachings and Reflections

The chapter is rich in teachings that remain relevant to believers today. Here are some key reflections:

• The Universality of the Gospel: The mission of the seventy (or seventy-two) highlights the widespread reach of Christ’s message, intended for all nations.
• Reliance on God: The instructions to travel lightly emphasize trust in God’s provision and a detachment from worldly possessions.
• The Importance of Prayer: The call to pray for laborers in the harvest underscores the essential role of prayer in evangelism.
• Genuine Compassion: The parable of the Good Samaritan defines true neighborly love as selfless service to those in need.
• Beyond Ritual: The priest and Levite’s inaction contrasts with the Samaritan’s compassion, revealing the importance of genuine love over mere religious observance.
• Expanding Our Definition of Neighbor: The parable challenges us to see Christ in everyone, especially those on the margins of society.

❓ FAQ

Here are some frequently asked questions about Luke 10:

• Q: Why did Jesus send out seventy (or seventy-two) disciples?

  A: The number seventy (or seventy-two) is often interpreted as representing the seventy nations of the world (Genesis 10), suggesting the universal scope of the Gospel message. This foreshadows the Great Commission to go and make disciples of all nations.

• Q: What does it mean to “greet no one on the road”?

  A: This instruction isn’t about being rude. It emphasizes the urgency of the mission and the need to avoid distractions that could delay or hinder the disciples’ progress. It’s about prioritizing the task at hand.

• Q: How does the parable of the Good Samaritan challenge us today?

  A: The parable challenges us to examine our own hearts and actions, asking whether we are truly living out the commandment to “love your neighbor as yourself.” It calls us to overcome prejudice and extend compassion to those in need, regardless of their background or social status. The Good Samaritan is a reminder that faith without works is dead (James 2:26).

• Q: What is the significance of the oil and wine in the parable?

  A: Oil and wine were common remedies in ancient times. Oil was used to soothe wounds, while wine had antiseptic properties. Their use symbolizes the comprehensive care and healing provided by the Good Samaritan.

🕊️ Conclusion

Luke 10 offers a powerful message of evangelism and compassion. The mission of the seventy (or seventy-two) calls us to actively participate in spreading the Gospel, while the parable of The Good Samaritan challenges us to embody Christ’s love through selfless service. It pushes us to reconsider how we define our neighbors and invites us to see Christ in every person we encounter, especially those in need. Ultimately, this chapter encourages us to move beyond mere religious observance and embrace a life of genuine love and compassion, reflecting the heart of God in a broken world. May we all strive to be Good Samaritans in our daily lives, extending mercy and care to those around us.

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Luke 10, Good Samaritan, Parable, Compassion, Evangelism, Discipleship, Love, Neighbor, Service, Theology

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Explore the profound meaning of Luke 10’s *The Good Samaritan* & the mission of the seventy. Uncover timeless lessons on compassion, love, and Christian service.